Definition

1. Noun:

   • A standard unit or system used to determine size, quantity, or degree: "Measure" refers to a fixed unit or system for quantifying something, such as length, volume, or weight.
   • An action or step taken to achieve a purpose: "Measure" can mean a specific action, procedure, or legislative bill intended as a means to an end.
   • A degree or extent of something: "Measure" indicates a particular amount, degree, or portion of a quality.
   • A basis for comparison; a standard or criterion: "Measure" serves as a reference point for evaluating or judging other things.
   • The rhythmic structure in music or poetry: In the arts, "measure" refers to a metrical unit, a bar of music, or the arrangement of beats.

2. Verb:

   • To determine the size, amount, or degree of something using a standard: The primary meaning is to ascertain dimensions, quantity, or capacity.
   • To have specified dimensions: Used to state the size that something is.
   • To assess or evaluate the nature, quality, or significance of something: "Measure" can mean to judge or appraise something against a standard.
   • To be of a comparable standard or quality (often used with 'up' or 'against'): To compare favorably or unfavorably with something else.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • A ruler is a common measure of length. (A ruler is a standard tool for determining length.)
  • The government introduced a new measure to improve public health. (The government introduced a new policy step.)
  • She felt a measure of relief after the exam. (She felt a certain degree of relief.)
  • Success is not the only measure of a good life. (Success is not the only criterion for judging a good life.)
  • The song has a complex rhythmic measure. (The song has a complex arrangement of musical beats.)

• Verb:

  • Please measure the width of the window. (Please determine the window's width.)
  • The room measures five meters across. (The room has dimensions of five meters in width.)
  • It is difficult to measure the true impact of his work. (It is hard to fully assess the impact of his work.)
  • How does your proposal measure up to the required standards? (How does your proposal compare to the required standards?)

Advanced Usage

• "For good measure": as an extra amount or action to ensure sufficiency or safety.

  • She added an extra example for good measure. (She added an extra example to be thorough.)

• "Beyond measure": to a very great extent; immensely.

  • Her kindness is beyond measure. (Her kindness is immense and cannot be quantified.)

• "In full measure": completely; to the fullest extent.

  • He received praise in full measure for his efforts. (He received complete praise for his efforts.)

Variants and Related Words

• Measurement (n): the action or process of measuring; a dimension, quantity, or capacity determined by measuring.

  • The measurement of the room was accurate. (The act of determining the room's size was accurate.)

• Measurable (adj): able to be measured.

  • The project's progress is measurable. (The project's progress can be quantified.)

• Measured (adj): done with careful consideration; deliberate; having a slow, regular rhythm.

  • He spoke in a measured tone. (He spoke in a careful, deliberate tone.)

Synonyms

• Noun: Standard, criterion, gauge, amount, degree, step, action, bill, statute.
• Verb: Gauge, calculate, assess, evaluate, quantify, size up.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Measure out: to take a specific amount from a larger quantity.

  • She measured out a cup of flour for the recipe. (She took a precise cup of flour from the bag.)

• Measure up (to): to reach the required standard; to compare favorably with.

  • The new software must measure up to our security requirements. (The new software must meet our security standards.)

Related Idioms

• Measure twice, cut once: A proverb advising careful planning and double-checking before taking irreversible action.

  • When building furniture, remember to measure twice, cut once. (Always check your measurements carefully before cutting the wood.)

• Measure for measure: The idea of reciprocal treatment or justice, often getting back what you give. (Title of a Shakespeare play).

  • The court's decision was a case of measure for measure. (The punishment fit the crime exactly.)

Noun

1. a container of some standard capacity that is used to obtain fixed amounts of a substance
2. measuring instrument having a sequence of marks at regular intervals; used as a reference in making measurements
3. musical notation for a repeating pattern of musical beats
   • the orchestra omitted the last twelve bars of the song
4. (prosody) the accent in a metrical foot of verse
5. a basis for comparison; a reference point against which other things can be evaluated
   • the schools comply with federal standards
   • they set the measure for all subsequent work
6. the act or process of assigning numbers to phenomena according to a rule
   • the measurements were carefully done
   • his mental measurings proved remarkably accurate
7. a statute in draft before it becomes law
   • they held a public hearing on the bill
8. how much there is or how many there are of something that you can quantify
9. any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
   • the situation called for strong measures
   • the police took steps to reduce crime

Verb

1. evaluate or estimate the nature, quality, ability, extent, or significance of
   • I will have the family jewels appraised by a professional
   • access all the factors when taking a risk
2. have certain dimensions
   • This table surfaces measures 20inches by 36 inches
3. express as a number or measure or quantity
   • Can you quantify your results?
4. determine the measurements of something or somebody, take measurements of
   • Measure the length of the wall