/ ˈmeʒə(r); NAmE / verb , noun
■ verb
SIZE / QUANTITY
1.
measure (sb/sth) (for sth) to find the size, quantity, etc. of sth in standard units :
[ vn ]
A ship's speed is measured in knots.
a device that measures the level of radiation in the atmosphere
He's gone to be measured for a new suit.
measuring equipment / instruments
[ v wh- ]
A dipstick is used to measure how much oil is left in an engine.
2.
linking verb [ v - n ] (not used in the progressive tenses) to be a particular size, length, amount, etc. :
The main bedroom measures 12ft by 15ft.
The pond measures about 2 metres across.
JUDGE
3.
to judge the importance, value or effect of sth
SYN assess :
[ vn ]
It is difficult to measure the success of the campaign at this stage.
[also v wh- ]
•
PHRASAL VERBS
- measure sb/sth against sb/sth
- measure sth out
- measure up | measure sb/sth up
- measure up (to sth/sb)
■ noun
OFFICIAL ACTION
1.
[ C ] measure (to do sth) an official action that is done in order to achieve a particular aim :
safety / security / austerity measures
a temporary / an emergency measure
We must take preventive measures to reduce crime in the area.
The government is introducing tougher measures to combat crime.
measures against racism
Police in riot gear were in attendance as a precautionary measure .
—see also half measures
AMOUNT
2.
[ sing. ] a particular amount of sth, especially a fairly large amount
SYN degree :
A measure of technical knowledge is desirable in this job.
She achieved some measure of success with her first book.
WAY OF SHOWING / JUDGING
3.
[ sing. ] a sign of the size or the strength of sth :
Sending flowers is a measure of how much you care.
4.
[ C ] a way of judging or measuring sth :
an accurate measure of ability
Is this test a good measure of reading comprehension?
UNIT OF SIZE / QUANTITY
5.
[ C , U ] a unit used for stating the size, quantity or degree of sth; a system or a scale of these units :
weights and measures
The Richter Scale is a measure of ground motion.
liquid / dry measure
Which measure of weight do pharmacists use?
6.
[ C ] ( especially of alcohol ) a standard quantity :
a generous measure of whisky
INSTRUMENT FOR MEASURING
7.
[ C ] an instrument such as a stick, a long tape or a container that is marked with standard units and is used for measuring
—see also tape measure
IN MUSIC
8.
[ C ] ( NAmE ) = bar (10)
•
IDIOMS
- beyond measure
- for good measure
- full / short measure
- in full measure
- get / take / have the measure of sb | get / have / take sb's measure
- in no small measure | in some, equal, etc. measure
- made to measure
—more at large
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English (as a noun in the senses moderation , instrument for measuring , unit of capacity ): from Old French mesure , from Latin mensura , from mens- measured, from the verb metiri .