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measure

v. · n.
US //ˈmɛʒɝ// UK //mˈɛʒɐ// mea·sure
  1. 1 to find the size (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to find the size, weight, or amount of something using a tool like a ruler.

    to ascertain the size, amount, or degree of something by using an instrument or device marked in standard units.

    Example

    The tailor needs to measure your waist before he can make the suit.

    Example

    The surveyor used a laser rangefinder to measure the exact distance between the two structural supports before the concrete was poured.
  2. 2 to have a certain size (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to be a specific size or length.

    to have a specified length, width, or amount; used as a stative verb.

    Example

    The new dining table measures two metres long.

    Example

    The earthquake's primary rupture measured nearly fifty kilometres in length, causing significant displacement along the fault line.
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  1. 3 to judge or evaluate (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to judge the quality or value of something.

    to assess or evaluate the importance, effect, or value of something.

    Example

    It is hard to measure the success of the project so early.

    Example

    Economists often struggle to measure the true impact of social media on national productivity levels.
  2. 4 an action taken (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    an official action taken to achieve a particular result.

    a plan or course of action intended to achieve a specific goal or to deal with a problem.

    Example

    The school took extra safety measures to protect the students.

    Example

    The government introduced emergency measures to stabilise the currency after the sudden drop in oil prices.
  3. 5 a unit or system (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Math

    a standard unit used for expressing size or amount.

    a standard unit or system used for expressing the dimensions, capacity, or amount of something.

    Example

    The kilogram is a measure of weight used in most countries.

    Example

    The metric system provides a universal measure for scientific research, ensuring consistency across international laboratories.
  4. 6 music (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Music

    a small group of notes in music, also called a bar.

    a group of beats in a musical score, typically separated by vertical lines.

    Example

    The flute player started playing from the third measure of the song.

    Example

    The conductor asked the violins to repeat the final four measures to ensure the crescendo was perfectly synchronised.
Origin

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.

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