Measure
'meʒər
Definitions
4 meaningsTo determine the dimensions, capacity, quantity, or extent of something.
'meʒər
To ascertain the size, amount, or degree of (something) using an instrument or a standard unit.
He measured the length of the room.
💡 Simply: Like using a ruler to find out how long something is, or using a scale to find out how heavy something is. It's about figuring out how much or how big.
👶 For kids: To find out how big, long, or heavy something is!
More Examples
We need to measure the ingredients accurately.
The scientist measured the amount of radiation.
How It's Used
"Scientists measure the temperature using a thermometer."
"The carpenter measured the wood before cutting it."
To evaluate or judge something; to consider the likely consequences of something.
'meʒər
To assess or evaluate something, often to plan an action.
We need to measure the potential risks.
💡 Simply: Think of figuring out the consequences of something before you do it. Like measuring how far you have to jump to cross a puddle.
👶 For kids: To think about something and decide what will happen.
More Examples
The school is measuring student performance.
He measured the impact of his words on the audience.
How It's Used
"The company measured the success of the campaign by sales figures."
"The government is measuring public reaction before announcing the policy."
A system of units or standards used to express the size, amount, or degree of something; a standard of comparison; a method or procedure.
'meʒər
A unit, quantity, or degree of something.
What is the measure of sugar needed for this recipe?
💡 Simply: A way of figuring out how much, how big, or how important something is. Like a number on a scale.
👶 For kids: A way to know how much or how big something is!
More Examples
A good measure of success is customer satisfaction.
The company took severe measures to reduce costs.
How It's Used
"The temperature is a measure of heat."
"The inflation rate is an important economic measure."
A plan or action designed to achieve a particular purpose or goal.
'meʒər
A plan or action designed to achieve a particular purpose.
The company took drastic measures to cut costs.
💡 Simply: Something you do to solve a problem or achieve a goal. Like taking your medicine to feel better.
👶 For kids: Something you do to fix a problem.
More Examples
The government implemented new measures to improve public health.
The police took measures to ensure public safety.
How It's Used
"The government introduced a new measure to tackle unemployment."
"The legislature passed several important measures."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
for good measure
As an extra precaution or addition, just to be sure.
"He added an extra scoop of ice cream for good measure."
take the measure of someone
To assess someone's character or abilities; to evaluate a person.
"Before making a decision, she wanted to take the measure of her opponent."
From Old French *mesure* and Latin *mētīrī* ('to measure').
The word 'measure' has been used since the late 13th century, originally referring to the act of measuring and the standard used for it.
Memory tip
Imagine using a ruler to find the size of a table: you measure it!
Word Origin
"to measure"