Definition Definition

Measure - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'Measure' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Measure [ a.]
- The manner of ordering and combining the quantities, or long and short syllables; meter; rhythm; hence, a foot; as, a poem in iambic measure.
- A number which is contained in a given number a number of times without a remainder; as in the phrases, the common measure, the greatest common measure, etc., of two or more numbers.
- A step or definite part of a progressive course or policy; a means to an end; an act designed for the accomplishment of an object; as, political measures; prudent measures; an inefficient measure.
- The act of measuring; measurement.
- Beds or strata; as, coal measures; lead measures.
2 . Measure [ n.]
- A standard of dimension; a fixed unit of quantity or extent; an extent or quantity in the fractions or multiples of which anything is estimated and stated; hence, a rule by which anything is adjusted or judged.
- An instrument by means of which size or quantity is measured, as a graduated line, rod, vessel, or the like.
- The dimensions or capacity of anything, reckoned according to some standard; size or extent, determined and stated; estimated extent; as, to take one's measure for a coat.
- The contents of a vessel by which quantity is measured; a quantity determined by a standard; a stated or limited quantity or amount.
- Extent or degree not excessive or beyong bounds; moderation; due restraint; esp. in the phrases, in measure; with measure; without or beyond measure.
- Determined extent, not to be exceeded; limit; allotted share, as of action, influence, ability, or the like; due proportion.
- The quantity determined by measuring, especially in buying and selling; as, to give good or full measure.
- Undefined quantity; extent; degree.
- Regulated division of movement
- A regulated movement corresponding to the time in which the accompanying music is performed; but, especially, a slow and stately dance, like the minuet.
- The group or grouping of beats, caused by the regular recurrence of accented beats.
- The space between two bars.
- To ascertain by use of a measuring instrument; to compute or ascertain the extent, quantity, dimensions, or capacity of, by a certain rule or standard; to take the dimensions of; hence, to estimate; to judge of; to value; to appraise.
- To serve as the measure of; as, the thermometer measures changes of temperature.
- To pass throught or over in journeying, as if laying off and determining the distance.
- To adjust by a rule or standard.
- To allot or distribute by measure; to set off or apart by measure; -- often with out or off.
3 . Measure [ v. i.]
- To make a measurement or measurements.
- To result, or turn out, on measuring; as, the grain measures well; the pieces measure unequally.
- To be of a certain size or quantity, or to have a certain length, breadth, or thickness, or a certain capacity according to a standard measure; as, cloth measures three fourths of a yard; a tree measures three feet in diameter.

Meaning of 'Measure' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . measure [ n]
Meaning (1):
- the act or process of assigning numbers to phenomena according to a rule
Example in sentence:
  • his mental measurings proved remarkably accurate;
  • the measurements were carefully done
Meaning (2):
- musical notation for a repeating pattern of musical beats
Example in sentence:
  • the orchestra omitted the last twelve bars of the song
Meaning (3):
- any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
Example in sentence:
  • the police took steps to reduce crime;
  • the situation called for strong measures
Meaning (4):
- a basis for comparison; a reference point against which other things can be evaluated
Example in sentence:
  • the schools comply with federal standards;
  • they set the measure for all subsequent work
Meaning (5):
- a statute in draft before it becomes law
Example in sentence:
  • they held a public hearing on the bill
6 . measure [ v]
Meaning (6):
- evaluate or estimate the nature, quality, ability, extent, or significance of
Example in sentence:
  • access all the factors when taking a risk;
  • I will have the family jewels appraised by a professional
Meaning (7):
- express as a number or measure or quantity
Example in sentence:
  • Can you quantify your results?
Meaning (8):
- determine the measurements of something or somebody, take measurements of
Example in sentence:
  • Measure the length of the wall
Meaning (9):
- have certain dimensions
Example in sentence:
  • This table surfaces measures 20inches by 36 inches