gauge
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a tool used to measure the amount, level, or pressure of something.
n.an instrument used for ascertaining the amount, level, or contents of something, often featuring a visual display or dial.
Simple“The fuel gauge showed that the tank was almost empty.”
In context“The technician monitored the pressure gauge closely, ready to shut down the system if the needle entered the red zone.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
n.a standard measurement of thickness, especially for wire, metal, or the distance between train tracks.
n.a standard measure of dimensions or thickness, specifically regarding wire diameter, sheet metal, or the distance between the inner faces of railway tracks.
Simple“The electrician used a heavy gauge wire for the new kitchen appliances.”
In context“The country's railway network was difficult to integrate with its neighbours because they used a different track gauge.”
- 03 C2 Proficiency
n.a type of jewellery worn in a large hole in the earlobe.
n.a cylindrical piece of jewellery inserted into a stretched earlobe piercing to maintain or increase its diameter.
Simple“He decided to wear silver gauges in his ears for the concert.”
In context“The shop specialises in organic materials for ear gauges, including carved wood and polished stone.”
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to make a judgment about a situation or a person's feelings.
v.to evaluate or assess a person's feelings, a situation, or a reaction based on available evidence.
Simple“It was difficult to gauge her reaction to the news because she stayed very quiet.”
In context“The marketing team conducted several focus groups to gauge public interest in the proposed rebranding strategy.”
- 05 C1 Advanced
v.to measure the exact size, amount, or strength of something.
v.to determine the exact dimensions, capacity, or quantity of something using a measuring device.
Simple“The scientists need to gauge the water levels every hour during the storm.”
In context“Using laser technology, the engineers were able to gauge the structural integrity of the bridge with millimetre precision.”
“His job is to watch the two gauges in the engine room," Kudler says.”
“He then began “slowly turning up the pressure gauge”, says Helen, now a 39-year-old artist.”
From Middle English gauge, gaugen, from Anglo-Norman, Old Northern French gauger (compare Modern French jauger from Old French jaugier), from gauge (“gauging rod”), from Frankish galga (“measuring rod, pole”), from Proto-Germanic galgô (“pole, stake, cross”), from Proto-Indo-European ǵʰalgʰ-, ǵʰalg- (“perch, long switch”). Cognate with Old High German galgo, Old Frisian galga, Old English ġealga (“cross-beam, gallows”), Old Norse galgi (“cross-beam, gallows”), Old Norse gelgja (“pole, perch”). Doublet of gallows.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.