Definition of tall

The word "tall" has its roots in Old English. The adjective "tæl" or "tal" meant "long" or "extended in length". It was often used to describe physical stature, and referred to people who were above average height. The word is also related to the Old Norse word "lán", which meant "long" or "stretching". By the Middle English period, the word "tall" had developed its modern meaning, referring to a person's physical height. However, it's worth noting that the word's meaning wasn't fixed until the 15th century, when European standards for human height began to emerge. In modern English, the word "tall" is used to describe not just physical height, but also buildings, objects, and even hairstyles that are exceptionally long or high. Despite its evolution, the word's origins remain rooted in Old English and Old Norse, reflecting the importance of physical stature in human perception and language.