Measure Meaning
Measure Definition & Usage
To determine the size, amount, or degree of something using a standard unit or instrument.
Examples
- "She used a ruler to measure the length of the desk."
- "The tailor measured the fabric to ensure it was the correct size for the suit."
- "He measured the amount of flour before adding it to the dough."
- "Before buying the new fridge, we measured the space in the kitchen to make sure it would fit."
- "I measured the water temperature to ensure it was hot enough for brewing tea."
A standard unit used to express size, amount, or degree of something.
Examples
- "The measure of flour required for the recipe is one cup."
- "The country has adopted the metric system as its official system of measurement."
- "He used a measuring cup to ensure he added the correct measure of water."
- "The measure of success is not just money, but also personal fulfillment."
- "The chef adjusted the measure of spices to suit his taste."
To assess or evaluate the quality, effectiveness, or worth of something.
Examples
- "The teacher measured the students' progress over the semester."
- "He measured his success by how happy he was with his work."
- "The company measures its success through customer satisfaction surveys."
- "She measures her achievements by the positive feedback she receives."
- "They measured the impact of the new policy on the community."
An action or plan designed to address a specific need or goal.
Examples
- "The government introduced several new measures to combat climate change."
- "In response to the pandemic, health measures were put in place to limit the spread of the virus."
- "The new safety measures at the factory have reduced workplace injuries."
- "We need to take immediate measures to prevent further damage to the environment."
- "The company has taken measures to ensure the privacy of its users' data."
Cultural Context
The word 'measure' has been in use for centuries and originates from Latin. It is associated with both the scientific practice of quantifying the physical world and the metaphorical application of evaluating ideas, behaviors, and situations. In everyday life, people measure things like ingredients, time, and space to make sure everything fits or works properly.
The Measure of Success
Story
The Measure of Success
Samantha was known for her meticulous nature, especially when it came to her work in architecture. Every line on her blueprints had to be perfect, every angle precisely measured. But one day, she faced a challenge unlike any other: designing a community center for a neighborhood that had long been neglected. The project required more than just measurements of space; it required measuring the needs of the people who would use it. As she sat at her desk, with a coffee cup in hand, she reflected on the measurements she had made throughout her life. Her early success in the field had been determined by how well she could 'measure' up to the expectations of others. But now, the stakes were different. She needed to measure not just the walls and floors, but the hopes and dreams of a community desperate for connection. Samantha walked through the neighborhood, measuring the needs of the residents. She spoke with families, teachers, and local business owners, learning that it wasn't just about the square footage of the building; it was about creating a space that brought people together. After months of work, the community center was complete. The grand opening ceremony was emotional, with tears and applause from those who had watched the project unfold. Samantha felt proud, but not because of the technical measurements she'd achieved. It was because she'd measured her success in a new way: by the lives it would touch and the change it would bring. As she stood there, looking out over the bustling center, Samantha realized that some measurements are more meaningful than others. The size of a building might be quantifiable, but the impact it had on people’s lives was immeasurable. 'How do you measure success?' she asked herself. And for the first time, she knew the answer: not by the numbers, but by the lives you touch.
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