WordGarden.iooutsize
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /aʊtsˈaɪz/
US
- /ˈaʊtˌsaɪz/
Meanings
Adjective
unusually large in physical size or overall scale
unusually large or disproportionate in amount, degree, influence, or importance
Beyond the definition
Think of an outsize personality: someone who feels larger than life, full of energy, and hard to ignore. The word "outsize" means larger than what is usual or expected. It can describe physical things, like an outsize shoe, but it can also describe less concrete things, such as ambition, talent, influence, or problems. A company facing outsize challenges, for example, is dealing with problems that are bigger than normal. You would not usually use it for something that is only a little big; it suggests something noticeably beyond the usual range.
The word "outsize" describes something that is considerably larger than average in size, degree, or extent. It is not just big; it suggests a clear difference from what is normal or standard. It can refer to physical size, such as an outsize coat or an outsize pair of shoes, but it is also often used in a figurative way.
You might hear about an athlete with outsize talent, meaning they have abilities far beyond those of their peers. You might also read about a leader with an outsize influence, a business facing outsize risks, or a public figure playing an outsize role in an event. In all of these cases, the idea is the same: something is unusually large or strong in its effect, importance, or scale.
While it can be used for clothing, furniture, or other physical objects, "outsize" very often appears in writing about business, politics, sports, and public life. It is useful when "large" feels too weak, because it adds the sense that something goes well beyond the ordinary.
So, if something is noticeably beyond the norm, whether it is a shoe size, a level of talent, a problem facing an organization, or a person's influence, you can describe it as outsize. The word carries the sense of unusual scale and a strong presence that is hard to miss.
Examples
- 1
Large object
He carried an outsize backpack that barely fit through the bus door.
- 2
Unexpected influence
The small team had an outsize effect on the final design.
- Patternoutsize effect/impact/influence
much bigger than people would expect
- 3
Personality
She has an outsize personality, so people notice her as soon as she enters a room.
- 4
Clothing sizes
The shop keeps outsize shirts and jackets near the back.
- Patternoutsize + clothing item
made in a larger-than-standard size
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- undersized
- standard-size
Used with (collocations)
- outsize clothing
- outsize portion
- outsize influence
Word family
- outsized
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- outsizeadjectivenoun