measure

/ˈmɛʒər/
nounverbIntermediate a standard unit of quantity or dimension
What It Really Means
to respond in kind, often in retaliation
Literal Meaning
to give an equal amount or treatment in return
Literal Breakdown
measurea standard unit or action+forin exchange for+measurea standard unit or action
Mental Image
A balanced scale or equal exchange of actions.
When to Use
After the company retaliated against the union's strike by cutting wages, the union responded with a measure for measure approach, organizing a walkout.
Cultural Note
The phrase reflects the idea of reciprocity and proportional response, often used in legal or strategic contexts.
general

a standard unit of quantity or dimension used for comparison or calculation

The carpenter used a ruler to measure the length of the wooden board.

The carpenter determined the length of the board by comparing it to a standard unit.

💡

Commonly used in contexts involving length, weight, volume, or other quantifiable attributes.

general

to determine the size, amount, or degree of something using a standard unit or tool

The scientist measured the temperature of the solution to monitor the reaction.

The scientist used a thermometer to determine the temperature of the solution.

💡

Often used with tools like rulers, scales, or gauges.

general

a course of action or policy designed to achieve a particular result

The government introduced new measures to combat inflation.

The government implemented policies aimed at reducing inflation.

💡

In this sense, 'measure' refers to a plan or action taken to address a specific issue.

Collocations

measure upto meet a standard or requirementmeasure outto distribute or divide something into portionsmeasure againstto compare something to a standard

Related Phrases

take measuresphrase
to implement actions to address a situation
measure for measureidiom
to respond in kind, often in retaliation

💡Pro Tip

Verb vs. Noun

Remember that 'measure' can be both a verb (to determine size) and a noun (a unit of size or a policy).

Gold Rule

Precision Matters

When using 'measure' as a verb, specify the tool or unit used (e.g., 'measured in inches').

📖Word Origin

From Old French 'mesure,' from Latin 'mensura,' meaning 'a measuring,' from 'metiri' (to measure).

📝Usage Notes

As a verb, 'measure' often requires a tool or standard unit. As a noun, it can refer to a unit of measurement or a policy.

Word Breakdown

meas
root related to measuring or assessing
root
+
-ure
suffix indicating action or result
suffix
English Dictionary