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measure

measure

92 2.5
A standard used to compare people or things
  • noun
  • /ˈmɛʒər/
translation icon : indicador
  • In evaluating the project's success, a reliable measure of its impact is essential.
  • a measure of success
  • a measure of achievement
  • a measure of effectiveness

So the only measure of success should be joy.

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Examples

  • Your willingness to take responsibility is a measure of the maturity of your character.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • So your weight is not itself the measure of how much mass you have.

  • We certainly do have some measure of freedom and choice.

  • In fact, there is no objective measure of pain.

  • So the only measure of success should be joy.

  • As a matter of fact, by most people's measure, I seem to have it all.

  • A player's commitment to his or her sport has been used as a measure of retention.

    Academic text (2008)
  • I fear we lost some measure of our honor since that betrayal.

  • It does seem to have given them a measure of wisdom.

  • In relation to other states, the measure may still constitute a breach of an international obligation.

    Academic text (2017)

Synonyms

standard
vsmeasure
1.6

An agreed level of quality or rule for judging something

is the general label for any comparison or evaluation point
unit
vsmeasure
589 2.1

A fixed amount used to measure or count things

is the broader notion of a comparison point, not a specific amount
index
vsmeasure
  • Specialized
298 4.4

A number that shows how something changes, like prices or pollution

is the broader concept of using a standard or point for comparison
criterion
vsmeasure
219 6.1

A rule or standard used to judge and choose something

is the wider notion of a comparison point, not a formal rule
metric
vsmeasure
68 4.2

A measure used to judge the performance or success of something

is the general idea of a comparison point, not a full measurement system
benchmark
vsmeasure
65 4.2

A standard used to compare quality or performance

is a more general comparison concept, not tied to formal tests
baseline
vsmeasure
  • Specialized
56 3.8

A starting point for comparing later results

is the more general idea of a comparison standard rather than a single fixed point
reference
vsmeasure
35 3.1

A standard used to compare other things

is the overall concept of a comparison basis rather than a specific example
gauge
vsmeasure
17 5.6

A measure people use to judge how good or successful something is

is the general comparison idea rather than a commonly used example
touchstone
vsmeasure
15 7.5

A way to judge how good or true something is

is the general comparison idea rather than a celebrated example
yardstick
vsmeasure
12 3.9

A way to judge how good or successful something is

is the broader term for any comparison or evaluation tool
reference point
vsmeasure
10 3.7

A known mark people use to compare or find position

is the broader notion of a comparison or evaluation standard
point of reference
vsmeasure
5 4.1

A known example people use to judge or compare other things

is the general term for any comparison or evaluation basis
unit of measurement
vsmeasure
  • Specialized
3 3.2

A fixed amount used as a standard to measure length, weight, or volume

is the more general comparison idea, not a precise quantity
metrics
vsmeasure
  • Specialized
1 3.5

Numbers used to measure performance or quality

is the single comparison or reference idea rather than a set of indicators
standard of measurement
vsmeasure
  • Formal
3.0

An agreed unit used to measure and compare things

is the general idea of a comparison point, not necessarily official
measuring unit
vsmeasure
2.7

A standard amount used to measure things like length or weight

is the general comparison concept rather than a named measurement quantity
mensurative
vsmeasure
  • Specialized
9.9

A unit used to measure amount or size

is the wider concept of a comparison or evaluation basis rather than a technical term

Antonyms

3 6.5

A thing that is not exact or clear, for example a measurement

Idioms

A small extra thing you add as a bonus

To a very great degree

To check something carefully before you do it to avoid mistakes

Try as hard as possible to do something well

Compounds

15 7.0

A government action that cuts public spending or raises taxes to reduce debt

An extreme action you take when all other options fail

9 2.0

A flexible strip marked with numbers used to measure length

security measure
  • Specialized
4 3.1

A rule or tool that protects computers and data from access without permission

An action or tool that protects a country from attack

last full measure
  • Literature
1 9.5

A final effort using all a person's strength or life for a cause

A device or method that detects break-ins and sounds an alarm

A strong rule that people must follow to keep others safe

board measure
  • Specialized
8.2

A way to measure the amount of lumber using board feet

capacity measure
  • Specialized
3.7

A unit used to measure how much a container can hold, like a liter or gallon

circular measure
  • Specialized
8.6

A way to measure angles using radians, where one full circle equals two pi radians

common measure
  • Specialized
5.2

A number that divides two or more numbers exactly with no remainder

common measure
  • Literature
9.9

A group of four lines with four beats then three beats in alternating lines, often ABAB or ABCB rhyme

common measure
  • Specialized
4.6

A time pattern in music with four beats in each bar

A unit for the amount of space something takes, often based on a cube

dry measure
  • Specialized
6.8

A unit for measuring how much space dry goods like grain or fruit take

A way for a company to keep employees from leaving

fundamental measure
  • Specialized
5.6

A basic quantity like length, mass, or time that measurement systems use

A unit for length like a meter or inch

A unit that tells how much liquid is in a container, like a cup or liter

5.0

A set of units used mainly in Britain for measuring length, like inches, feet, and miles

information measure
  • Specialized
7.1

A way to show how much uncertainty is in data or messages

A unit for area like a square meter or square foot

A ruler exactly one yard long used to measure cloth and short distances

How Authoritative

standard
1.6
measure
92 2.5
benchmark
65 4.2
guideline
344 3.1
rule of thumb
  • Informal
31 3.8

Surface Forms

measure singular
measures plural

Etymology

Measure comes from an old Latin word mensura and the verb metiri, both meaning 'to measure'. A measure as a standard is something you use to compare, like a ruler for quality, so the origin explains why it is a point for judgement.