stature
/'stætʃə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
A respected professor of great stature gives a lecture to attentive students.
Definition
Noun: 1. A person's natural height when standing upright. This is the physical, measurable meaning. 2. The level of respect, importance, or reputation a person has gained, especially through achievement or development. This is the figurative meaning, referring to a person's standing or status in a field or society.
Usage and Examples
- Physical Height:
- Despite his short stature, he was an excellent basketball player.
- The statue was built to match the hero's actual stature.
- Reputation/Status:
- Her scientific discoveries greatly increased her stature in the academic community.
- He is a musician of international stature.
- The scandal damaged the politician's stature.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- The phrase "grow in stature" is almost always used figuratively.
- The young leader grew in stature during the crisis.
- Stature often implies a level of respect that is earned and deserved, not simply given. It is associated with dignity and accomplishment.
Variants and Related Words
- Statuesque (adjective): (Used to describe a person, typically a woman) Attractively tall and dignified in bearing, like a statue.
- She had a statuesque figure.
Synonyms
- For physical height: Height, tallness.
- For reputation: Standing, status, reputation, prestige, eminence, importance.
Antonyms
- For physical height: (Lack of a direct single-word antonym; can be described as "shortness").
- For reputation: Obscurity, insignificance, unimportance.
Idioms and Common Phrases
- A man/woman of stature: A person who commands respect due to their achievements or character.
- The conference was attended by scientists of great stature.
- Of considerable/great/international stature: Used to emphasize a high level of achievement and recognition.
- She is an artist of international stature.
A respected professor of great stature gives a lecture to attentive students.
Noun
- (of a standing person) the distance from head to foot
- high level of respect gained by impressive development or achievement
- a man of great stature