measure
n. countablen. an action taken to achieve a specific goal or to solve a problem. It can also be a standard unit used to find the size, weight, or amount of something.
n. a systematic action or procedure intended to achieve a particular result; alternatively, a standard unit or system used for quantification. Often used in political or administrative contexts to describe new laws or safety steps.
The school introduced a new measure to improve student safety.
The government is taking every possible measure to prevent the spread of the virus during the winter months.
While the primary measure of success remains profitability, the board is increasingly considering environmental impact as a critical metric for long-term viability.
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.
Often used with the verb 'take' when referring to actions ('take measures').
The government made a measure to help.The government took a measure to help.When 'measure' means an action or step, it collocations with the verb 'take', not 'make'.
- 01
in no small measure
To a very great extent.
- 02
last full measure
A person's life, when lost through death in service to a nation or cause, particularly as a member of a military force in war or a semi-militarized organization such as a police force or civil defense corps, e.g. fire departments. May also be applied to some dangerous government and civil occupations such as espionage.
- 03
measure swords with
To match one's abilities against an antagonist's.