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Definition of measure noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

     

    measure

     noun
    noun
    NAmE//ˈmɛʒər//
     
     
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    official action
  1. 1[countable] an official action that is done in order to achieve a particular aim safety/security/austerity measures a temporary/an emergency measure measure (to do something) We must take preventive measures to reduce crime in the area. The police department is introducing tougher measures to combat crime. measures against racism Police in riot gear were in attendance as a precautionary measure. see half measures Thesaurusaction
    • measure
    • step
    • act
    • move
    These are all words for a thing that someone does.
    • action a thing that someone does:Her quick action saved the child's life.
    • measure an official action that is done in order to achieve a particular aim:The government introduced tougher security measures last summer.
    • step one of a series of things that you do in order to achieve something:This work is a first step towards our eventual goal.
    • act a thing that someone does:an act of kindness
    action or act?These two words have the same meaning but are used in different patterns. An act is usually followed by of and/or used with an adjective. Action is not usually used with of but is often used with his, her, etc.:a heroic act of bravery a heroic action of bravery her heroic actions/acts during the war.Action often combines with take but act does not:We will take whatever action is necessary. We will take whatever acts are necessary.
    • move (used especially in journalism) an action that you do or need to do to achieve something:They are waiting for the results of the opinion polls before deciding their next move.
    Patterns
    • to take action/measures/steps
    • to make a move
    • a heroic/brave/daring action/step/act/move
    2. amount
  2. 2[singular] a particular amount of something, especially a fairly large amount synonym degree A measure of technical knowledge is desirable in this job. She achieved some measure of success with her first book.
    3. way of showing/judging
  3. 3[singular] a sign of the size or the strength of something Sending flowers is a measure of how much you care.
  4. 4[countable] a way of judging or measuring something an accurate measure of ability Is this test a good measure of reading comprehension?
    5. unit of size/quantity
  5. 5[countable, uncountable] a unit used for stating the size, quantity, or degree of something; a system or a scale of these units weights and measures The Richter Scale is a measure of ground motion. liquid/dry measure Which measure of weight do pharmacists use?
  6. 6[countable] (especially of alcohol) a standard quantity a generous measure of whiskey
    7. instrument for measuring
  7. 7[countable] an instrument such as a stick, a long tape, or a container that is marked with standard units and is used for measuring see tape measure
    8. suggested new law
  8. 8[countable] a written suggestion, especially one for a new law a motion to refer the measure to another committee a ballot measure (= a change in the law that voters decide on)
    9. in music
  9. 9[countable] = bar one of the short sections of equal length that a piece of music is divided into, and the notes that are in it picture at music
    10. Idioms
    beyond measure (formal)
     
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    very great or very much Our gratitude to all of you who helped us is beyond measure.
    for good measure
     
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    as an extra amount of something in addition to what has already been done or given Use a half cup of rice per person and an extra spoonful for good measure. “I'm no good at puzzles. I can't even do crosswords,” she added for good measure.
    full measure
     
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    the whole of something We experienced the full measure of their hospitality.
    get/take/have the measure of somebody, get/have/take somebody's measure (formal)
     
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    to form an opinion about someone's character or abilities so that you can deal with them After only one game, the chess champion had the measure of his young opponent.
    in full measure (formal)
     
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    to the greatest possible degree My expectations were met in full measure.
    in large part, in large measure (formal)
     
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    to a great extent Their success is due in large part to their determination.
    in no small measure, in some, equal, etc. measure (formal)
     
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    to a large extent or degree; to some, etc. extent or degree The introduction of a new sales tax accounted in no small measure for the downfall of the governor. Our thanks are due in equal measure to every member of the team.
See measure in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
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