measure
- 01 A2 Elementary
v.to find the size, weight, or amount of something using a tool like a ruler.
v.to ascertain the size, amount, or degree of something by using an instrument or device marked in standard units.
Simple“The tailor needs to measure your waist before he can make the suit.”
In context“The surveyor used a laser rangefinder to measure the exact distance between the two structural supports before the concrete was poured.”
- 02 B1 Intermediate
v.to be a specific size or length.
v.to have a specified length, width, or amount; used as a stative verb.
Simple“The new dining table measures two metres long.”
In context“The earthquake's primary rupture measured nearly fifty kilometres in length, causing significant displacement along the fault line.”
Synonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to judge the quality or value of something.
v.to assess or evaluate the importance, effect, or value of something.
Simple“It is hard to measure the success of the project so early.”
In context“Economists often struggle to measure the true impact of social media on national productivity levels.”
- 04 B1 Intermediate
n.an official action taken to achieve a particular result.
n.a plan or course of action intended to achieve a specific goal or to deal with a problem.
Simple“The school took extra safety measures to protect the students.”
In context“The government introduced emergency measures to stabilise the currency after the sudden drop in oil prices.”
- 05 B1 Intermediate
n.a standard unit used for expressing size or amount.
n.a standard unit or system used for expressing the dimensions, capacity, or amount of something.
Simple“The kilogram is a measure of weight used in most countries.”
In context“The metric system provides a universal measure for scientific research, ensuring consistency across international laboratories.”
- 06 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a small group of notes in music, also called a bar.
n.a group of beats in a musical score, typically separated by vertical lines.
Simple“The flute player started playing from the third measure of the song.”
In context“The conductor asked the violins to repeat the final four measures to ensure the crescendo was perfectly synchronised.”
Synonyms
Usage measures to ensure · measures to prevent · measures used
From Middle English mesure, from Old French mesure, from Latin mēnsūra (“a measure”), mētior (“to measure”, supine stem in mēns-) + -tūra. Largely displaced native Old English metan ("to measure" whence modern mete) and ġemet (“a measure”). See also -ure.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.