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measure up

   Also found in: Medical, Legal, Idioms, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia 0.04 sec.
meas·ure  (mzhr)
n.
1. Dimensions, quantity, or capacity as ascertained by comparison with a standard.
2. A reference standard or sample used for the quantitative comparison of properties: The standard kilogram is maintained as a measure of mass.
3. A unit specified by a scale, such as an inch, or by variable conditions, such as a day's march.
4. A system of measurement, such as the metric system.
5. A device used for measuring.
6. The act of measuring.
7. An evaluation or a basis of comparison: "the final measure of the worth of a society" (Joseph Wood Krutch). See Synonyms at standard.
8. Extent or degree: The problem was in large measure caused by his carelessness.
9. A definite quantity that has been measured out: a measure of wine.
10. A fitting amount: a measure of recognition.
11. A limited amount or degree: a measure of good-will.
12. Limit; bounds: generosity knowing no measure.
13. Appropriate restraint; moderation: "The union of . . . fervor with measure, passion with correctness, this surely is the ideal" (William James).
14. An action taken as a means to an end; an expedient. Often used in the plural: desperate measures.
15. A legislative bill or enactment.
16. Poetic meter.
17. Music The metric unit between two bars on the staff; a bar.
v. meas·ured, meas·ur·ing, meas·ures
v.tr.
1. To ascertain the dimensions, quantity, or capacity of: measured the height of the ceiling.
2. To mark, lay out, or establish dimensions for by measuring: measure off an area.
3. To estimate by evaluation or comparison: "I gave them an account . . . of the situation as far as I could measure it" (Winston S. Churchill).
4. To bring into comparison: She measured her power with that of a dangerous adversary.
5.
a. To mark off or apportion, usually with reference to a given unit of measurement: measure out a pint of milk.
b. To allot or distribute as if by measuring; mete: The revolutionary tribunal measured out harsh justice.
6. To serve as a measure of: The inch measures length.
7. To consider or choose with care; weigh: He measures his words with caution.
8. Archaic To travel over: "We must measure twenty miles today" (Shakespeare).
v.intr.
1. To have a measurement of: 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 mnsra, from mnsus, past participle of mtr, to measure; see m-2 in Indo-European roots.]

measur·er n.
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measure
from "Roses of the South," a waltz by Johann Strauss the Younger

measure up
vb
1. (adverb) to determine the size of (something) by measurement
measure up to to fulfil (expectations, standards, etc.)
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Verb1.measure up - prove capable or fit; meet requirements
suffice, answer, do, serve - be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity; "A few words would answer"; "This car suits my purpose well"; "Will $100 do?"; "A 'B' grade doesn't suffice to get me into medical school"; "Nothing else will serve"
Translations
? measure up
vt sep
(= take measurements of) wood, room etcabmessen; person for suit etcMaß nehmen bei
(fig: = assess) situationabschätzen; personeinschätzen
vi
(= be good enough, compare well) he didn’t measure uper hat enttäuscht; to measure up to somethingan etw (acc)herankommen; visually he measured up (to the description)vom Aussehen her passte er (auf die Beschreibung); it’s a hard job, but he should measure updas ist eine schwierige Aufgabe, aber er sollte ihr gewachsen sein
(= take measurements)Maß nehmen, messen


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