commeasure: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very RareFormal/Literary
Quick answer
What does “commeasure” mean?
To measure or compare two or more things together.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To measure or compare two or more things together; to bring into a common measure or proportion.
To assess or evaluate by a shared standard; to bring into equivalence or correspondence through measurement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional differences in usage, as the word is equally archaic and rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Carries a formal, somewhat scholarly or poetic connotation in both dialects.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both British and American English; primarily encountered in historical or highly specialized academic texts.
Grammar
How to Use “commeasure” in a Sentence
[Subject] commeasures [Object] with/against [Standard]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “commeasure” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The philosopher sought to commeasure human virtue with divine perfection.
- Can one truly commeasure the grief of different losses?
American English
- The critic attempted to commeasure the two artists' contributions to the movement.
- It is challenging to commeasure personal satisfaction with financial success.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rarely used, potentially in philosophical or historical discourse about metrics and values.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Not used in modern technical fields.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “commeasure”
- Using it in modern, informal contexts.
- Confusing it with 'commensurate' (which is an adjective).
- Misspelling as 'com measure'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare and archaic verb not used in modern everyday English.
'Commeasure' specifically implies finding or applying a common standard or unit of measurement for the comparison, often for abstract things. 'Compare' is a much broader and more common term.
No, 'commeasure' is only attested as a verb. The related noun is 'commensuration'.
For most learners, it is only important to recognise it as a very formal, literary synonym for 'compare' if encountered in reading. Active use is not recommended.
To measure or compare two or more things together.
Commeasure is usually formal/literary in register.
Commeasure: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈmɛʒə/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈmɛʒər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'COMMon MEASURE' -> to bring to a common measure.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNDERSTANDING IS MEASURING (e.g., to 'size up' a situation).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'commeasure' most appropriately used?