measure
[noun]
Synonyms:
- quantity, allotment, allowance, amount, portion, quota, ration, share
- gauge, metre, rule, scale, yardstick
- action, act, deed, expedient, manoeuvre, means, procedure, step
- law, act, bill, resolution, statute
- rhythm, beat, cadence, metre, verse
[verb]
Synonyms:
- quantify, assess, calculate, calibrate, compute, determine, evaluate, gauge, weigh

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Related Words: effort, project, proposal, proposition, expedient, makeshift, resort, resource, shift, stopgap, size, size up, calculate, compute, estimate, figure, reckon

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English Thesaurus: action, act, act of violence/kindness/defiance etc, activities, behaviour, ...

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

I. mea‧sure¹ S2 W2 /ˈmeʒə $ -ər/ verb
[Word Family: adjective: measurable ≠ immeasurable, measured, measureless; noun: measure, measurement; verb: measure; adverb: measurably ≠ immeasurably]

1. [transitive] to find the size, length, or amount of something, using standard units such as inches, metres etc:
The rainfall was measured over a three-month period.
measure somebody for something (=measure someone in order to make clothes for them)
She was being measured for her wedding dress.
measure something in something
We can measure the energy that food provides in calories.
measuring jug/cup/tape (=one used for measuring)

2. [transitive] to judge the importance, value, or true nature of something Synonym : assess:
Doctors say it is too early to measure the effectiveness of the drug.
measure something by something
Education shouldn’t be measured purely by examination results.

3. [linking verb] to be a particular size, length, or amount:
The room measures 6 x 6 metres.
The earthquake measured 6.5 on the Richter scale.

4. [transitive] if a piece of equipment measures something, it shows or records a particular kind of measurement:
An odometer measures the number of miles your car travels.
measure somebody/something against somebody/something phrasal verb
to judge someone or something by comparing them with another person or thing:
Bridget did not think she had to measure herself against some ideal standard.
Measured against our budget last year, $2.7 million seems small.
measure something ↔ off phrasal verb
to measure a particular length or distance, and make a mark so that you can see the beginning and end:
He measured off three yards of rope.
measure something ↔ out phrasal verb
to take a specific amount of liquid, powder etc from a larger amount:
Measure out 100 grams of flour.
measure up phrasal verb

1. to be good enough to do a particular job or to reach a particular standard:
We’ll give you a week’s trial in the job to see how you measure up.
measure up to
How will the Secretary General measure up to his new responsibilities?

2. to measure something before you do something, for example before you put in new furniture, cupboards etc:
I’d better measure up before I start laying the carpet.
measure something ↔ up
Measure up any items that you want to keep in the kitchen.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

II. measure² W2 noun [countable]
[Word Family: adjective: measurable ≠ immeasurable, measured, measureless; noun: measure, measurement; verb: measure; adverb: measurably ≠ immeasurably]
[Date: 1100-1200; Language: Old French; Origin: mesure, from Latin mensura, from metiri 'to measure']

1. ACTION an action, especially an official one, that is intended to deal with a particular problem Synonym : step:
Measures are being taken to reduce crime in the city.
drastic/tough/extreme etc measures
drastic measures to reduce traffic problems
New safety measures were being demanded after last night’s horrific train crash.
The new bridge was erected as a temporary measure to replace the one which was destroyed by floods.
precautionary/preventative measure (=something done to stop something bad from happening)
He was kept in hospital overnight as a precautionary measure.

2. half measures things done to deal with a difficult situation that are not effective or firm enough:
This was no time for half measures and compromises.

3. SIGN/PROOF be a measure of something formal be a sign of the importance, strength etc of something, or a way of testing or judging something:
The flowers and tears at the funeral were a measure of the people’s love for her.
Exam results are not necessarily a true measure of a student’s abilities.

4. AMOUNT a measure of something an amount of something good or something that you want, for example success or freedom:
The new law gives local governments a significant measure of control over their own finances.
I met a number of sportsmen who had achieved a measure of success (=some success).

5. UNIT OF MEASUREMENT
a) an amount or unit in a measuring system:
a table of weights and measures
b) a standard amount of an alcoholic drink

6. in large measure/in some measure a lot or quite a lot – used when talking about the reason or cause of something:
The improvements are due in large measure to his leadership.

7. in equal measure used when the amount of one thing is the same as the amount of another thing:
I was angry and embarrassed in equal measure.

8. for good measure in addition to what you have already done, given, or included:
Why don’t you try phoning them one more time, for good measure?

9. beyond measure very much or very great – used when you want to emphasize what you are saying:
Her work has improved beyond measure.

10. the full measure of something formal the whole of something:
Ralph received the full measure of his mother’s devotion.

11. in full measure formal if someone gives something back in full measure, they give back as much as they received:
They returned our hospitality in full measure.

12. have/get the measure of something to become familiar with something, so that you can control or deal with it

13. have/get the measure of somebody British English to know what someone’s strengths and weaknesses are, so that you are able to deal with them or defeat them:
She soon got the measure of her opponent.

14. THING USED FOR MEASURING something used for measuring, for example a piece of wood or a container ⇒ tape measure

15. MUSIC a group of notes and rests, separated from other groups by vertical lines, into which a piece of music is divided Synonym : bar British English
⇒ made-to-measure, ⇒ give somebody short measure at short¹(23)

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

measure
noun
I. official action to deal with a problem
ADJ. appropriate, effective, necessary, practical We urge you to adopt all necessary measures to guarantee people's safety.
important, key, special | simple | desperate, draconian, drastic, extreme, harsh, radical, repressive, strong, tough | emergency, urgent | interim, short-term, temporary | defensive, precautionary, preventative | disciplinary, punitive | corrective, remedial | safety, security New security measures implemented to prevent further violence.
austerity, cost-cutting, economy, efficiency | economic, policy | government
QUANT. package, range, series a package of measures aimed at cutting pollution
VERB + MEASURE adopt, implement, impose, introduce, take Special measures are being taken to protect the local water supplies.
propose, suggest
MEASURE + VERB be aimed at sth, be designed to, be intended to
PREP. ~ against tougher measures against racism
~ for measures for reducing delays

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲

measure
II. amount/quantity of sth
ADJ. broad, considerable, fair, generous, great, significant, substantial, wide
PREP. ~ of He poured me a generous measure of whisky.
PHRASES in large/some measure His success was due in large measure to your help.
in equal measure, in no small measure

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲

measure
III. unit of size/quantity
ADJ. accurate, direct, objective, precise
PREP. ~ of an accurate measure of length
PHRASES weights and measures

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲

measure
IV. sign of sth
ADJ. crude, simple, true, useful
PREP. ~ of Landed income was the true measure of the gentry.

NOTE measures

weights and measures ~ of    I always drink gallons of water. half a, a quarter of a ~    half a litre of milk a half/quarter hour, inch, mile, ounce, pint, pound They used to sell corned beef at 2d a quarter pound. cubic, square ~    One litre is equivalent to 1 000 cubic centimetres. ~ square    The room is about 15 metres square. ~ broad, deep, high, long, tall, thick, wide    The new dock was 230 m long and 92 m broad. ~ bigger, cooler, faster, heavier, lighter, slower, etc.    The climate was several degrees warmer than it is now. about, approximately, around ~    1 foot = approx. 0.3 metres be, cover, measure, span, stretch (for) ~ used with measures of distance and area    The National Park covers 3 000 acres.    The sandy beach stretches for over four miles. be, weigh ~ used with measures of weight    She weighed over ten stone. be, last, take ~ used with measures of time    It takes approximately 365 and a quarter days for the earth to revolve around the sun. in a ~    How many centilitres are there in a litre? in ~s    We were asked to estimate the temperature of the room in degrees. to a/the ~    My car does 10 miles to the litre. a, per ~    They're 99p a dozen. a safety threshold of 50 mg of nitrates per litre by the ~    Apples are sold by the kilogram. of ~    The path will be built to a width of 2 metres. ~ in area, length, volume, weight, size, etc.    Killer whales are up to ten metres in length. ~ by ~    a huge room measuring 50 m by 18 m to the nearest ~    Give your answer to the nearest metre.

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲

measure
verb
I. find the size of sth
ADV. accurately, exactly, precisely | carefully | directly Any type of data that could not be directly measured was rejected.
easily | experimentally | up We need to measure the room up for a new carpet.
VERB + MEASURE be able to, can/cannot You can now measure its length more accurately.
be easy to, be possible to | be difficult to, be hard to, be impossible to
PREP. for She's being measured for her wedding outfit.
in Cloth is measured in metres.

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲

measure
II. judge the importance/value/effect of sth
ADV. easily The policy's impact cannot be easily measured.
effectively | objectively
VERB + MEASURE can/cannot | be easy to, be possible to | be difficult to, be hard to, be impossible to It is hard to measure the benefits to society of this scheme.
be used to the criteria that are used to measure performance
PREP. according to Is it really possible to measure the skills of such jobs according to objective standards?
against The school's performance is measured against a strict set of criteria.
by The policy's effectiveness cannot be measured by numbers alone.
in terms of Success cannot be measured merely in terms of the size of your salary.
PHRASES a method/way of measuring sth

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲

measure

take measures (=do something in order to deal with a problem)
We are taking measures to improve the situation.
adopt/introduce a measure (=start using a particular way of dealing with a problem)
The countries agreed to adopt measures to reduce pollution.
a measure is aimed at doing something
The measures were aimed at reducing the speed of cars on the roads.
a safety measure
New safety measures were implemented after the rail crash.
a security measure (=something done to keep a place safe from danger or crime)
Video surveillance cameras have been installed as a security measure.
a preventative/precautionary measure (=something done to prevent something bad)
Vaccination against disease is a sensible preventative measure.
a extreme measure
The public would not be in favour of such an extreme measure.
a drastic measure (=an extreme measure)
Drastic measures are needed if we are to combat global warming.
a temporary measure (=something done for a limited period of time to deal with a problem)
The tents were used as a temporary measure to replace homes destroyed in the floods.
a necessary measure
The army will take all necessary measures to protect the public.
an appropriate measure (=a measure that is suitable for a particular situation)
In the event of an assault, staff will need to take appropriate measures to defend themselves.
a package/series of measures (=a set of measures used to deal with something)
A package of road safety measures has been announced.

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲

action noun [countable] something that someone does:
He is responsible for his own actions.
They refused to give a reason for their actions.
act noun [countable] a particular type of action:
violent acts
⇒ act of violence/kindness/defiance etc:
I believe the killing was an act of desperation.
activities noun [plural] things that people do, especially for enjoyment or to achieve an aim:
leisure activities
political activities
Surveys may not give a true picture of people’s activities.
behaviour British English, behavior American English noun [uncountable] the things that someone does and the way they behave:
Do you think that advertisements really influence people’s behaviour?
The man’s behaviour seemed rather odd.
move noun [countable] something that you do in order to achieve something:
Her decision to sell the shares had been a smart move.
It’s a bold move to start a business in the current economic climate.
He needed time to figure out his next move.
step noun [countable] one of a series of things that you do in order to deal with a problem or to succeed:
The first step is to make sure we have got funding for the project.
We must take steps to make sure that this does not happen again.
This is an important step towards peace.
measure noun [countable] an official action that is intended to deal with a particular problem:
There are increased security measures at airports.
The school was closed as a precautionary measure following a chemical leak.
gesture noun [countable] something that you do to show how you feel about someone or something:
Do you think it would be a nice gesture to send her some flowers?
⇒ gesture of goodwill/solidarity/defiance:
The company gave us £100 as a gesture of goodwill.
deed noun [countable] especially literary an action, especially one that is very good or very bad:
evil deeds
heroic deeds
This is my good deed for the day.
exploits noun [plural] formal exciting or brave actions:
daring exploits
His exploits were legendary.
feat noun [countable] something someone does that people admire because you need a lot of skill, courage, or strength to do it:
Completing a marathon is a remarkable feat for a six-year-old.
The bridge is a great feat of engineering.

[TahlilGaran] English Thesaurus ▲

move to go to a different place, or change the position of your body:
Sarah moved away from the window.
Every time I move I get a pain in my left shoulder.
sway to move slowly from one side to the other:
The branches swayed in the wind.
Donny swayed drunkenly as he walked back to his car.
rock to move repeatedly from one side to another, with small gentle movements:
He rocked backward and forward in his chair.
The boat rocked from side to side with the waves.
wobble to move unsteadily from side to side:
The bike wobbled a bit, but she soon got it under control.
fidget to keep moving or playing with your fingers, hands, feet etc, because you are bored or nervous:
Diana fidgeted nervously with her pencil.
squirm to make very small movements from side to side with your body, especially because you feel uncomfortable:
By the end of the hour, most of the children were squirming in their seats.
wriggle to make small movements from side to side, especially in order to get into or out of something:
The dog wriggled under the fence and escaped into the street.
She managed to wriggle into the dress, but it was much too tight.
twitch if part of your body twitches, it makes small movements that you cannot control:
A muscle on Yang’s face twitched.
stir written to make a movement – used especially when describing a situation in which no one moves, or someone wakes up:
In the village a dog barked but no one stirred
The sleeping child stirred and opened her eyes.
budge to move – used when you are trying hard to make something move, often without success:
The piano wouldn’t budge.
relocate to move to a different place – used about companies, organizations, and people who work for them:
NATO’s main headquarters relocated to Brussels.
Klein is relocating to London to head up the investment banking team.
still not moving – use this especially about people who are not moving, or about places where there is no wind:
There was no wind and the trees were completely still.
Keep still while I tie your shoes.
stationary not moving – use this about cars, trains, or objects:
The truck swerved and hit a stationary vehicle.
immobile not moving or not able to move, especially because of fear or tiredness:
As the disease progressed, she became increasingly immobile.
motionless completely still – used especially in literature:
Kemp sat motionless as the verdict was read.
calm not moving because there is no wind – use this about air and water:
The lake was calm.
be at a standstill if traffic is at a standstill it is not moving:
Traffic was at a standstill on the motorway.
make a move
We made the move mainly for financial reasons.
make no move
The government made no move to hold the promised elections.
welcome the move
Environmentalists welcomed the move to limit the length of fishing nets.
oppose a move
Union members have opposed the move.
support a move
The move was supported by the government.
a move is aimed at doing something/is designed to do something
The move is aimed at strengthening its business in the region.
an important move
I cannot decide on such an important move on my own.
a bold/daring move (=taking a lot of courage)
The writers made a bold move by kiling off the main character.
a good/smart/wise move (=sensible)
I’m not sure it was a good move giving him the job.
the right move
He hoped he had made the right move in telling his father.
an unprecedented move (=never having happened before)
Barcelona began the unprecedented move of shipping in drinking water.
sb’s next move (=the next thing someone does)
What should happen next? What’s our next move?
a bad move
It was a bad move letting him come here in the first place.
a false/wrong move (=made by mistake)
One wrong move and the business might never recover.
the first move
She waited for Michael to make the first move.
a career move (=a decision that will improve the type of job you can do)
It looked like a good career move, with the possibility of promotion later.
there are moves afoot to do something British English (=there are plans, especially secret ones, to do something)
There are moves afoot to change things.
a move in the right direction
The decision seemed to be a move in the right direction.
watch/follow sb’s every move
His eyes followed Cissy’s every move.
a sudden move
She made a sudden move towards me from the doorway.
action noun [countable] something that someone does:
He is responsible for his own actions.
They refused to give a reason for their actions.
act noun [countable] a particular type of action:
violent acts
⇒ act of violence/kindness/defiance etc:
I believe the killing was an act of desperation.
activities noun [plural] things that people do, especially for enjoyment or to achieve an aim:
leisure activities
political activities
Surveys may not give a true picture of people’s activities.
behaviour British English, behavior American English noun [uncountable] the things that someone does and the way they behave:
Do you think that advertisements really influence people’s behaviour?
The man’s behaviour seemed rather odd.
step noun [countable] one of a series of things that you do in order to deal with a problem or to succeed:
The first step is to make sure we have got funding for the project.
We must take steps to make sure that this does not happen again.
This is an important step towards peace.
measure noun [countable] an official action that is intended to deal with a particular problem:
There are increased security measures at airports.
The school was closed as a precautionary measure following a chemical leak.
gesture noun [countable] something that you do to show how you feel about someone or something:
Do you think it would be a nice gesture to send her some flowers?
⇒ gesture of goodwill/solidarity/defiance:
The company gave us £100 as a gesture of goodwill.
deed noun [countable] especially literary an action, especially one that is very good or very bad:
evil deeds
heroic deeds
This is my good deed for the day.
exploits noun [plural] formal exciting or brave actions:
daring exploits
His exploits were legendary.
feat noun [countable] something someone does that people admire because you need a lot of skill, courage, or strength to do it:
Completing a marathon is a remarkable feat for a six-year-old.
The bridge is a great feat of engineering.

[TahlilGaran] English Thesaurus ▲

measure
ˈmeʒə
See: beyond measure , for good measure , made-to-measure , take one's measure or take the measure of

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲