Word
metric
Phoneticsmet·ric, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmɛtɹɪk/
UK/mˈɛtɹɪk/
Definitions
01a standard of measurement
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Academic
n. a standard or way to measure how well something is doing.
n. a standard of measurement for assessing or tracking performance, progress, or quality, particularly in business or engineering.
“The company uses customer satisfaction as a key metric for success.”
“The marketing department analyzed several engagement metrics, including click-through rates and average session duration, to evaluate the campaign's effectiveness.”
Usage
Often used with 'key' or 'performance'.
02mathematical distance
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Mathematics Technical
n. a mathematical rule used to find the distance between two points.
n. a function that defines a distance between each pair of elements of a set, satisfying specific formal conditions like the triangle inequality.
“In this geometry, we use a different metric to calculate the distance.”
“The researcher defined a custom metric on the data set to better represent the similarities between complex genomic sequences.”
Usage
Used as a countable noun in mathematical contexts.
Synonyms
03relating to the decimal system
B1 · Intermediate Science
adj. relating to the system of measurement that uses meters, grams, and liters.
adj. relating to the decimal-based system of weights and measures, specifically the International System of Units (SI).
“Most countries in the world use the metric system for daily life.”
“The transition from imperial to metric units in the aerospace industry required a complete recalibration of all manufacturing equipment.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
04relating to musical rhythm
C1 · Advanced Music Technical
adj. relating to the rhythm or beat of a piece of music.
adj. relating to the meter or rhythmic structure of a musical composition or poetic verse.
“The song has a complex metric structure that makes it hard to dance to.”
“The composer experimented with metric modulation, shifting the pulse of the piece without changing the actual tempo of the performance.”
Synonyms
05to measure data
C1 · Advanced Computing Technical · Informal
v. to collect and study data to see how well a process is working.
v. to measure or analyze statistical data regarding the quality or effectiveness of a specific process.
“We need to metric the new software to see if it is faster.”
“The DevOps team decided to metric every stage of the deployment pipeline to identify where the latency was occurring.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “metric” in context.
Real-World Examples
“Sales figures are a rough and insubstantial metric, though.” “The weight of these solar panels adds up quickly—we’re looking at probably 1 to 2 metric tons.” Etymology
From French métrique (1864), from New Latin metricus (“pertaining to the system based on the meter”), from metrum (“a meter”); see meter. By surface analysis, metre + -ic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/metric