Origin: Latin suffix -ure
Measure has 16 different meanings across 2 categories:
the act or process of assigning numbers to phenomena according to a rule
"the measurements were carefully done"
"his mental measurings proved remarkably accurate"
a basis for comparison; a reference point against which other things can be evaluated
"the schools comply with federal standards"
"they set the measure for all subsequent work"
measuring instrument having a sequence of marks at regular intervals; used as a reference in making measurements
"She checked the length of the fabric against the ruler before cutting it."
a container of some standard capacity that is used to obtain fixed amounts of a substance
"Please take out the measuring cup and help me get exactly two cups of flour for the recipe."
A prescribed quantity or extent.
"The recipe called for a precise measure of flour to ensure the dough wouldn't be too sticky."
Moderation, temperance.
"He decided to take a measured approach by eating just enough dessert to satisfy his craving without ruining his diet."
In plain English: A measure is a specific amount or quantity of something.
"The cup holds exactly one cup measure of flour."
Usage: Use "measure" as a noun to refer to a specific unit of quantification or a standard amount used for calculation. It often appears in phrases like "a measure of success" to indicate an indication of size or degree rather than a physical ruler.
determine the measurements of something or somebody, take measurements of
"Measure the length of the wall"
To ascertain the quantity of a unit of material via calculated comparison with respect to a standard.
"The builder used a laser tool to measure the width of the room before ordering new flooring."
In plain English: To measure means to find out how much, how big, or how long something is.
"She measured the ingredients carefully before mixing them together."
Usage: Use the verb measure to describe determining the exact size, length, or amount of something by comparing it to a known standard. You typically use it when physically taking dimensions or quantifying ingredients rather than simply estimating roughly.
The word "measure" entered Middle English from the Old French mesure, which derived from the Latin mēnsūra meaning "a measure." It largely replaced native Old English words like metan and ġemet to describe the act of determining size or quantity.