measure
verb
uk/ˈmeʒər/ us [ I or T ]
to discover the exact size or amount of something:
Next, we need to measure the temperature of the mixture.
This machine measures the patient's heart rate.
measure sth in sth November was a record number for sales when measured in dollars.
measuring devices/equipment/techniques
[ T ]
to be of a particular size:
The office measures 12 metres by 6 metres.
[ T ]
to judge the quality, effect, importance, or value of something:
It is difficult to measure the success of the advertising campaign at this early stage.
Managers have changed the way they measure performance.
Phrasal verbs
measure sth against sth
measure sth out
measure up
measure sth/sb up
measure
noun
uk/ˈmeʒər/ us [ C, usually plural ]
a way of achieving something, or a method for dealing with a situation:
These measures were designed to improve car safety.
We will introduce measures to reduce noise levels in the factory.
The company will need to take further measures to cut costs.
austerity/cost-cutting measures It had taken a series of cost-cutting measures, including closing one of its two plants.
drastic/draconian/radical measures
preventative/safety/security measures
[ C ] MEASURES
a unit used for giving the size, weight, etc. of something:
weights and measures
The standard measure of efficiency in the airline industry is 'cost per passenger mile'.
[ C or U ]
an amount or level of something:
There was a large measure of agreement between the two sides in the negotiation.
[ C ]
a way of judging something:
Record sales are not always a measure of a singer's popularity.
get a measure of sth It is difficult to get an accurate measure of employee performance in this industry.
a good/true/reliable measure Exports as a percentage of total sales are a good measure of international competitiveness.
for good measure
if something is given or done for good measure, it is given or done in addition to other things:
They're offering a good salary, with a company car thrown in for good measure.
have the measure of sb/sth
to understand what someone or something is like and to know how to deal with them:
The other team were experienced negotiators, but we had the measure of them.
See also
countermeasure
dry measure
made-to-measure