measure

An action taken to solve a problem or achieve a goal.

• The new measure will improve safety.
• They took measures to reduce waste.
• What measures can prevent another accident?

How to use it: measure to do something (This is a measure to protect children.)

Similar words: step, action

Common phrases: take a measure, safety measure, emergency measure, preventive measure

A standard or sign used to judge how good, successful, or important something is.

• Money is not a measure of happiness.
• Exam scores provide one measure of progress.
• We need a better measure of customer satisfaction.

How to use it: measure of something (Attendance is a useful measure of interest.)

Similar words: indicator, criterion, standard

Common phrases: measure of success, reliable measure, measure of quality

An amount counted using a particular unit or a container of a standard size.

• Add one measure of flour.
• He poured two measures of whisky.
• Use the same measure for every ingredient.

How to use it: measure of something (Mix one measure of syrup with three of water.)

Similar words: unit, portion

Common phrases: a measure of, equal measure, standard measure

A certain amount of something, without saying exactly how much.

• The news brought a measure of comfort.
• She gained a measure of control over her life.
• The agreement achieved some measure of success.

How to use it: a measure of something (The plan gives us a measure of hope.)

Similar words: amount, degree

Common phrases: a measure of, some measure of

To find the size, weight, temperature, or amount of something using a tool or standard unit.

• Please measure the table.
• We measured the room before buying furniture.
• This device measures temperature every minute.

How to use it: measure something in something (We measure distance in kilometers.); measure something with something (She measured the shelf with a ruler.)

Common phrases: measure the length, measure something carefully, measure in centimetres, measure the temperature

To have a particular size, length, or other measurement.

• The room measures four meters across.
• The fish measured thirty centimeters in length.
• How much does the opening measure?

How to use it: measure + amount (The bridge measures fifty meters in length.)

Common phrases: measure two metres, measure across