“High” vs. “Tall”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “high” and “tall”

  • "High" emphasizes distance from the ground, while "tall" emphasizes comparison to other objects or people.
  • Tall people or objects are above average height, while "high" means something is a great distance from the floor or any other surface.
  • Taller people or objects are often considered to have a greater physical presence, while something high may simply be elevated.
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What is the definition of “high” and “tall”?

High
  • Refers to the distance of something from the ground or a lower point.
  • Can also refer to a large amount or intensity, such as a high fever or high volume.
  • Often used to describe something vertical, like a high-rise building or a high jump.
Tall
  • Refers to the height of a person or object in relation to others.
  • Usually describes something that is higher than average but not necessarily vertical.
  • Can also refer to the height of a plant or tree.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“High” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
High
8,340,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The plane flew high in the sky.
  2. The hike to the mountain's peak was high and steep.
  3. The roller coaster had a high drop that made my stomach churn.
Tall
918,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The tree was so tall that its branches touched the sky.
  2. The new skyscraper in the city was taller than any other building.
  3. The basketball player was tall enough to dunk without even jumping.
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