‘Outsize’ vs. ‘Outsized’

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Grammar doesn’t have to play such a big role in your life that you wonder if you’re using the right version of a word. So: should we say “oversized” instead of “oversized”?

Yes, maybe. Or not.

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See also: ‘funny big’

adjectives oversized And oversized have the same meaning (“unusually large or heavy” and “exaggerated or extravagant in size or extent”) and they appear in the same context; Technically, they are what we call variants. (oversized alone also functions as a noun — it means “unusual size” and specifically refers to “a larger-than-standard size”, as in “a specialty boutique” —but the name The word is newer than both adjectives and doesn’t blame either.)

It’s easy to find examples of both variations:

All this attention on a platform that isn’t widely used may feel overwhelming, but that’s because its influence on publishing is huge: Twitter is the platform that brought us into the Internet age. mobile. — Adrienne La France and Robinson Meyer, AtlanticApril 30, 2014

There’s an oversized oak and resinous flavor to the finish, but overall, this captures the essence of the Ribera del Duero for under $20. — Wine Enthusiast MagazineJune 2013

For such a modest creature, the two-inch-long snapping shrimp makes a humming noise. Also known as the pistol shrimp, this crustacean possesses an oversized claw that can open and close at lightning speed. —Catherine Zuckerman, national geographyJuly 2011

Instead of having actors perform with oversized props, Ant-Man is using both macro photography—the cinematography technique used in bug documentaries—and motion capture technology. —Clark Collis, Weekly entertainmentJanuary 16, 2015

Both date from the early 1800s, though oversized seems to be a decade or so. It was at one time the preferred variant throughout the English-speaking world, but by the end of the 20th century, American English was shining. oversized and that variation has been the preferred choice on this side of the pond ever since. in British English oversized continue to be prioritized.

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We will probably never know why one variant is popular in the US while the other is so fast in the UK. Maybe English speakers in America like oversized because it sounds more like an adjective in the way that words like charming And awkward To be. (Of course they both come from verbs, while size IN oversized is a noun.) If that is the case, it is interesting that the same appeal is not translated for British-English speakers.

You can use either, no matter where you live. Your audience likely won’t get to know you well, and this isn’t one of the big complaints. So go ahead and pick one, and don’t make a big deal about it.

Categories: Usage Notes
Source: vothisaucamau.edu.vn

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