Definition

1. Noun:
   • The usual (iambic) meter of a ballad: In poetry, "common measure" refers to a specific, traditional rhythmic pattern, typically alternating lines of iambic tetrameter and iambic trimeter.
   • An integer that divides two (or more) other integers evenly: In mathematics, "common measure" is a number that can be used to divide two or more other numbers without leaving a remainder; it is synonymous with a common divisor.
   • A time signature indicating four beats to the bar: In music, "common measure" denotes a meter where each bar contains four beats, typically with a quarter note receiving one beat.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Poetry):

  • Many traditional hymns are written in common measure.
  • The poet chose common measure for its familiar, song-like rhythm.

• Noun (Mathematics):

  • The numbers 12 and 18 have a common measure of 6.
  • Finding the greatest common measure is a fundamental skill in arithmetic.

• Noun (Music):

  • The song is in common measure, so count "one, two, three, four."
  • Common measure, or common time, is often indicated by a "C" symbol on the staff.

Advanced Usage

• "In common measure": This phrase is used to describe something that conforms to the standard meter in poetry or music.
  • The entire sonnet was composed in common measure.

Variants and Related Words

• Common divisor (n): A synonym in mathematics for a number that divides two or more integers evenly.
  • Three is a common divisor of 9, 12, and 15.
• Common time (n): A direct synonym in music for the 4/4 time signature.
  • The march is in common time.
• Common metre (n): An alternative spelling, particularly in British English, for the poetic form.
  • The stanza follows common metre.

Synonyms

• Mathematics: Common divisor, common factor.
• Music: Common time, quadruple meter, 4/4 time.
• Poetry: Common metre, ballad metre.

Related Phrases

• Greatest common measure (GCM): In mathematics, the largest integer that is a common divisor of a set of numbers. (Note: This is a compound term listed here as it is a specific, related concept).
  • First, find the greatest common measure of the two coefficients.

Noun

1. the usual (iambic) meter of a ballad
2. an integer that divides two (or more) other integers evenly
3. a time signature indicating four beats to the bar