Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Being the same size as the original object or person: Describes a representation, such as a statue, model, or painting, that is created to have the exact dimensions of the real thing it depicts.

Usage

• The adjective "life-size" is used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb like "be").
• It describes sculptures, statues, portraits, dolls, models, or any other representation meant to replicate the true scale of its subject.

Examples

• Attributive use:
  • The museum installed a life-size replica of a dinosaur skeleton. (The replica is the same size as a real dinosaur skeleton would have been.)
  • She posed next to a life-size cardboard cutout of her favorite movie star.
• Predicative use:
  • The wax figure of the president is remarkably life-size. (The figure has the same size as the real president.)
  • The portrait is not life-size; it's actually much smaller.

Advanced Usage

• "Life-size" vs. "Lifelike": "Life-size" refers specifically to physical dimensions. "Lifelike" refers to appearing very realistic or true to life in appearance, texture, or behavior, but not necessarily to scale.
  • The doll was life-size but not very lifelike because its eyes were painted on. (It was the right size but did not look real.)
• "Larger than life-size" / "Smaller than life-size": Phrases used to describe representations that are bigger or smaller than the original.
  • The monument features a larger-than-life-size statue of the hero on horseback.

Variants and Related Words

• Life-sized (adj): A less common variant with the same meaning as "life-size."
  • He owns a life-sized poster of his sports idol.
• Full-size (adj): Often used interchangeably with "life-size," especially for objects. It can also mean a standard or usual size.
  • They bought a full-size bed. (This refers to a standard bed size, not necessarily a replica of another bed.)

Synonyms

• Actual-size: Of the same size as the original.
• Full-scale: Of the same size or scope as the original. (Note: "Full-scale" can also mean involving all resources or to the fullest extent, e.g., "a full-scale investigation.")

Antonyms

• Miniature: A much smaller representation.
• Scaled-down: Reduced in size proportionally.

Adjective

1. being of the same size as an original
   • a life-size sculpture