measure

from "Roses of the South," a waltz by Johann Strauss the Younger

meas·ure

(mĕzh′ər)

a. A reference standard or sample used for the quantitative comparison of properties: The standard kilogram is maintained as a measure of mass.

b. A unit specified by a scale, such as an inch, or by variable conditions, such as a day's march.

c. A system of measurement, such as the metric system.

d. The dimensions, quantity, or capacity of something as ascertained by comparison with a standard: curtains made to measure; took his measure for the suit jacket.

e. A device used for measuring.

f. The act of measuring: By measure the picture was four feet tall.

2. An evaluation or a basis of comparison: "the final measure of the worth of a society" (Joseph Wood Krutch).

3. Extent or degree: The problem was in large measure caused by his carelessness.

a. A definite quantity that has been measured out: a measure of wine.

b. A fitting amount: a measure of recognition.

c. A limited amount or degree: a measure of goodwill.

a. Limit; bounds: generosity knowing no measure.

b. Appropriate restraint; moderation: "The union of ... fervor with measure, passion with correctness, this surely is the ideal" (William James).

a. An action taken as a means to an end; an expedient: measures taken to improve energy efficiency.

b. A law or ballot initiative adopted by a legislature as a remedy for a problem.

a. Poetic meter.

b. Music The metric unit between two bars on the staff; a bar.

v. meas·ured, meas·ur·ing, meas·ures

v.tr.

a. To ascertain the dimensions, quantity, or capacity of: measured the height of the ceiling.

b. To mark, lay out, or establish dimensions for by measuring: measure off an area.

c. To mark off or apportion, usually with reference to a given unit of measurement: measure out a pint of milk.

d. To allot or distribute as if by measuring; mete: The revolutionary tribunal measured out harsh justice.

a. To estimate by evaluation or comparison: "I gave them an account ... of the situation as far as I could measure it" (Winston S. Churchill).

b. To bring into comparison: She measured her power with that of a dangerous adversary.

3. To serve as a measure of: The inch measures length.

4. To consider or choose with care; weigh: He measures his words with caution.

5. Archaic To travel over: "We must measure twenty miles today" (Shakespeare).

v.intr.

1. To be of a specific measurement: The room measures 12 by 20 feet.

2. To take a measurement.

3. To allow of measurement: White sugar measures more easily than brown.

Phrasal Verb:

measure up

1. To be the equal of something; have similar quality.

2. To have the necessary qualifications: a candidate who just didn't measure up.

Idioms:

beyond measure

1. In excess.

2. Without limit.

for good measure

In addition to the required amount.

in a/some measure

To a degree: The new law was in a measure harmful.

[Middle English, from Old French mesure, from Latin mēnsūra, from mēnsus, past participle of mētīrī, to measure; see mē- in Indo-European roots.]

meas′ur·er n.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:

Adv.

beyond measure - in excess or without limit; "amazed beyond measure"

Translations

لا تُقاس، عظيمَه، تَفوق الوَصْف

nesmírný

ómælanlegur

measure

(ˈmeʒə) noun

1. an instrument for finding the size, amount etc of something. a glass measure for liquids; a tape-measure.

2. a unit. The metre is a measure of length.

3. a system of measuring. dry/liquid/square measure.

4. a plan of action or something done. We must take (= use, or put into action) certain measures to stop the increase in crime.

5. a certain amount. a measure of sympathy.

6. (in music) the musical notes contained between two bar lines.

verb

1. to find the size, amount etc of (something). He measured the table.

2. to show the size, amount etc of. A thermometer measures temperature.

3. (with against, ~besides etc) to judge in comparison with. She measured her skill in cooking against her friend's.

4. to be a certain size. This table measures two metres by one metre.

ˈmeasurement noun

1. size, amount etc found by measuring. What are the measurements of this room?

2. the sizes of various parts of the body, usually the distance round the chest, waist and hips. What are your measurements, madam?

3. the act of measuring. We can find the size of something by means of measurement.

beyond measure

very great. I'm offering you riches beyond measure!

for good measure

as something extra or above the minimum necessary. The shopkeeper weighed out the sweets and put in a few more for good measure.

full measure

(no less than) the correct amount. We must ensure that customers get full measure.

made to measure (of clothing) made to fit the measurements of a particular person: Was your jacket made to measure?; adjective (etc)

a made-to-measure suit.

measure out

to mark (off), weigh (out) a certain distance, amount. He measured out a kilo of sugar.

measure up (often with to)

to reach a certain required standard. John's performance doesn't measure up (to the others).