meted out
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Given out in portions; distributed or allocated in measured amounts: Describes something that has been apportioned, allotted, or dispensed in specific shares or quantities.
Usage
- The adjective "meted out" is typically used to describe punishments, rewards, justice, resources, or responsibilities that have been formally distributed or assigned by an authority.
- It often carries a formal or legal connotation and is commonly used in passive constructions (e.g., "was meted out," "were meted out").
Examples
- Adjective:
- The judge ensured that justice was meted out fairly to all parties involved.
- The harsh penalties meted out by the committee served as a strong deterrent.
- Aid was carefully meted out to the refugees based on their immediate needs.
Advanced Usage
- "to have (something) meted out": to receive something that is formally dispensed, often implying it is deserved.
- The traitor finally had his punishment meted out by the new regime.
Variants and Related Words
- Mete (verb): To distribute or allot justice, punishment, or reward. This is the base verb from which the adjective phrase "meted out" is derived.
- It is the court's duty to mete justice.
Synonyms
- Allocated: Designated or set aside for a specific purpose.
- Dispensed: Distributed or administered.
- Apportioned: Divided and shared out.
- Dealt out: Distributed, especially cards or consequences.
Related Phrases
- Mete out (phrasal verb): The action of distributing or administering something, typically justice or punishment. This is the verb form.
- The principal will mete out appropriate discipline for the fight.
- The old king was known to mete out severe punishments.
Related Idioms
- An eye for an eye (and the whole world goes blind): This proverb relates to the concept of punishment being meted out in equal measure to the offense, often critiquing such a system.
Adjective
- given out in portions