Measures
ˈmɛʒərz
Definitions
4 meaningsA step taken to achieve a particular purpose.
ˈmɛʒərz
A plan or course of action taken to achieve a specific purpose.
The new safety measures were implemented after the accident.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to make a cake. You take different steps, like measuring the flour and butter, to make sure it turns out great. Measures are like those steps – actions you take to make something happen!
👶 For kids: Things you do to get something done or make something better.
More Examples
We took several precautionary measures to avoid any problems.
The committee adopted a number of measures to improve efficiency.
How It's Used
"The government announced new economic measures."
"The company implemented cost-cutting measures."
A standard unit or system used to quantify something.
ˈmɛʒərz
A unit or system of units of measurement.
The recipe requires specific measures of flour and sugar.
💡 Simply: Think about how you measure things: you might use inches or centimeters to measure length. Measures are like those rulers, scales, and cups we use to measure!
👶 For kids: How we figure out how big, long, or heavy something is.
More Examples
We need to convert the measures from the metric system to the imperial system.
The scientist took precise measures of the temperature.
How It's Used
"We use standard measures in the laboratory."
"Use accurate measures for the ingredients in this recipe."
A segment of musical time defined by a specific number of beats.
ˈmɛʒərz
A musical phrase or section.
The composer changed the time signature in the third measure.
💡 Simply: In music, a measure is like a small box that holds a certain number of beats, like the rhythm of a song.
👶 For kids: In music, like the sections of a song.
More Examples
The musician practiced the difficult measures in the piece.
Each measure of the song contains four beats.
How It's Used
"The song's rhythm is divided into measures."
To find out the size, quantity, or degree of something.
ˈmɛʒər
To determine the size, amount, or degree of something.
The carpenter measured the wood before cutting it.
💡 Simply: When you measure something, you're figuring out how big, long, or heavy it is. It's like when you use a ruler to see how long a crayon is!
👶 For kids: To find out how big, long, or heavy something is.
More Examples
She measured the ingredients carefully for the recipe.
He measured his success by the happiness of his customers.
How It's Used
"The scientist measured the temperature of the liquid."
"We can measure the area of the rectangle using a formula."
Synonyms
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 measures
To do things to deal with a problem or situation.
"The government took measures to improve public safety."
From Old French *mesure* (Latin *mētīrī*), meaning 'to measure'.
The word 'measure' has been used in English since the 13th century, evolving from the Old French word for measurement and moderation.
Memory tip
Think of taking steps (measures) to reach a goal.