1. Determine the measurements of something or somebody, take measurements of
   "Measure the length of the wall"; "measure out the length of the wall";
   - mensurate [rare], measure out
    
2. Determine or express the amount or quantity of something
   "he measured the amount of rice left";
   - quantify, quantitate
    
3. Have certain dimensions
   "This table surfaces measures 20 inches by 36 inches"
    
4. Estimate or determine the nature, value, quality, ability, extent, or significance of
   "We need to measure the impact of these changes";
   - evaluate, valuate [N. Amer], assess, appraise, value, scope, apprise [Brit, archaic], apprize [archaic]
    
5. Compare or judge by a standard
   "Don't measure yourself against unrealistic ideals"

1. How much there is or how many there are of something that you can quantify
   "He added a small measure of salt to the recipe";
   - quantity, amount
    
2. The act or process of assigning numbers to phenomena according to a rule
   "Scientists developed a new measure for quantifying biodiversity";
   - measurement, measuring, mensuration
    
3. A basis for comparison; a reference point against which other things can be evaluated
   "they set the measure for all subsequent work";
   - standard, criterion, touchstone
    
4. Measuring instrument having a sequence of marks at regular intervals; used as a reference in making measurements
   "The carpenter used a measure to determine the length of the board";
   - measuring stick, measuring rod
    
5. A container of some standard capacity that is used to obtain fixed amounts of a substance
   "The recipe called for two measures of flour"
    
6. A course of action made as part of progress toward a goal
   "the situation called for strong measures";
   - step
    
7. (law) a statute in draft before it becomes law
   "they held a public hearing on the measure";
   - bill
    
8. (prosody) the accent in a metrical foot of verse
   "The poem's regular measure gave it a rhythmic quality";
   - meter [US], metre [Brit, Cdn], beat, cadence
    
9. Musical notation for a repeating pattern of musical beats
   "the orchestra omitted the last twelve measures of the song";
   - bar

Derived forms: measured, measures, measuring

See also: nonstandard, qualify, standard

Type of: abstract entity, abstraction, activity, be, carry, container, convey, decide, determine, evaluate, express, instrument, judge, legal document, legal instrument, make up one's mind, maneuver [US], manoeuvre [Brit, Cdn], measuring device, measuring instrument, measuring system, metric, musical notation, official document, pass judgment, poetic rhythm, prosody, rhythmic pattern, system of measurement, tactical maneuver [US], tactical manoeuvre [Brit, Cdn]

Encyclopedia: Measure