measure

UK /ˈmeʒ.ə/ US /ˈmeʒ.ɚ/ Syllables: meas-ure

Pronunciation

Verb A2 Elementary Neutral

To find the exact size, amount, or degree of something using an instrument or standard unit.

To measure is to find out the size, length, amount, or degree of something, usually with a tool such as a ruler, scale, or thermometer. You measure a room before you buy a carpet and flour before you bake. The word also works for judging value: you can measure success by how many people you help. As a noun, a measure can be a unit, a step, or a standard.

"He measured the table to see if it would fit through the door."

Meanings

To find the size, amount, or degree of something.
To judge how good or important something is.

Example sentences

"Measure the wall before you buy the paint."

Level A2, Meaning 1
"Doctors measure your blood pressure."

Level B1, Meaning 1
"You cannot measure happiness with money."

Level B2, Meaning 2
"The tailor measured his arms and chest."

Level B1, Meaning 1

Synonyms and antonyms

Synonyms

calculate

Look-alikes and common mistakes

weigh : Weigh finds how heavy something is. Measure is wider and covers length, volume, temperature, and more.

Word family and forms

Forms: measures, measured, measuring

measurement measurable immeasurable unmeasured

Word partners

Words and phrases that often go with "measure".

measure the length
measure the temperature
measure success
measure up
a unit of measure
take measures

Idioms and phrases

for good measure: As an extra, just to be sure.; "She added a pinch of salt for good measure."
measure up: To be as good as expected.; "The new player did not measure up to the old one."
made to measure: Made to fit one person exactly.; "He wore a suit that was made to measure."

Origin

Measure comes through Old French mesure from Latin mensura, a measuring, which comes from metiri, to measure. It replaced an older English word, mete, which survives in "mete out".

Checked against: Wiktionary, the free dictionary, Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Dictionary.com.

How to remember it

Measure twice, cut once: a good habit for builders, and a good way to remember the word.

Test yourself

Which word fits the gap? "_____ the wall before you buy the paint."

Answer: measure

In your own words, what does "measure" mean?