mete out

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mete out

The judge will mete out a fair sentence after the trial.

Definition

Verb: 1. To distribute or administer something, typically in measured or limited amounts. This verb emphasizes the controlled, often careful or even stingy, allocation of something. It often implies the distributor has authority or control over the resource. 2. To deal out or inflict something, such as punishment or justice. In this sense, it focuses on the authoritative administration of something negative or consequential.

Usage and Examples
  • Verb:
    • The teacher meted out praise sparingly, only for the best work. (The teacher distributed praise in small, controlled amounts.)
    • The judge meted out a harsh sentence to the convicted criminal. (The judge authoritatively delivered a severe punishment.)
    • The organization metes out food and supplies to the refugees each week. (The organization distributes provisions in allocated portions.)
    • He has a tendency to mete out criticism but rarely offers help. (He tends to deal out negative judgments.)
Advanced Usage
  • The phrase is almost always used with the particle "out" (i.e., "mete out"). It is a phrasal verb.
  • It carries a formal or literary tone and often connotes a sense of judgment, authority, or measured control from the person doing the distributing.
  • The object of what is "meted out" can be tangible (money, food) or intangible (justice, punishment, criticism, praise).
Variants and Related Words
  • Mete (verb, archaic): To measure. This is the original, now rarely used, root of the phrase. Example:
  • Dispense (verb): To distribute or supply. ()
  • Allot (verb): To assign or distribute as a share. ()
  • Dole out (phrasal verb): To distribute in small amounts, especially of necessities. Very close synonym. ()
Synonyms
  • Administer
  • Deal out
  • Dispense
  • Distribute
  • Allocate
  • Dole out
  • Portion out
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Dole out: To distribute, especially meager portions of aid or necessities.
    • The charity doles out meals to the homeless.
  • Shell out (informal): To pay money, often reluctantly.
    • I had to shell out fifty dollars for the ticket.
  • Deal out: To distribute cards in a game; can also be used similarly to "mete out."
    • She dealt out the cards. / The king dealt out punishments to the traitors.
Related Idioms
  • To deal a blow: To hit someone; or figuratively, to deliver a setback.
    • The news of the loss dealt a blow to the team's morale. (This relates to the "inflict" sense of mete out.)
mete out

The judge will mete out a fair sentence after the trial.

Verb
  1. administer or bestow, as in small portions
    • administer critical remarks to everyone present
    • dole out some money
    • shell out pocket money for the children
    • deal a blow to someone
    • the machine dispenses soft drinks