long measure: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, Historical, Formal
Quick answer
What does “long measure” mean?
A unit of measurement for length or distance, often used in traditional or historical contexts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A unit of measurement for length or distance, often used in traditional or historical contexts.
1) The act or process of measuring length. 2) A system or standard for measuring length, often contrasted with measures of weight, volume, or time.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'long measure' is strongly associated with historical units (e.g., chains, furlongs, rods) and surveying. In the US, while also historical, it may be more readily understood in the context of land measurement (e.g., in property deeds) and traditional crafts.
Connotations
Evokes traditional craftsmanship, land surveying, and pre-metric systems. Can sound archaic or specialised.
Frequency
Low frequency in general language; higher in specific technical or historical fields.
Grammar
How to Use “long measure” in a Sentence
[verb] + long measure (e.g., 'use', 'employ', 'standardise')[adjective] + long measure (e.g., 'accurate', 'traditional', 'obsolete')long measure + [preposition] + [noun] (e.g., 'of land', 'for cloth', 'in surveying')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “long measure” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The surveyor will long-measure the boundary using a theodolite and chain.
- They long-measured the field in rods and perches.
American English
- The architect long-measured the plot before drawing the plans.
- We need to long-measure the timber accurately before cutting.
adverb
British English
- The land was surveyed long-measure for the new enclosure maps.
- The fabric was cut long-measure along its entire length.
American English
- The fence was built long-measure, following the property line exactly.
- Cut the board long-measure, not crosswise.
adjective
British English
- The long-measure system used for medieval cloth was complex.
- He specialised in long-measure conversion tables.
American English
- The long-measure data was recorded in the old ledger.
- They followed a long-measure protocol for the historical site.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in historical asset valuation or antique trades.
Academic
Used in history, economic history, metrology, and historical geography.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Used in surveying, historical reconstruction, textile manufacturing specifications, and heritage crafts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “long measure”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “long measure”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “long measure”
- Using 'long measure' to refer to a lengthy process of measurement rather than a unit/system for length.
- Confusing it with 'tape measure', which is a tool, not a unit.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily in historical, academic, or very specific technical/artisanal contexts. Modern usage typically prefers 'linear measurement' or specific unit names (metre, foot).
'Long measure' refers to the system or units of length. A 'tape measure' is a physical tool used to take those measurements.
No, that is a common mistake. It is specific to length/distance. For time, terms like 'measure of time' or 'duration' are used.
No, it is a low-frequency, specialised term. In everyday language, people simply refer to 'inches', 'centimetres', or 'measuring length'.
A unit of measurement for length or distance, often used in traditional or historical contexts.
Long measure is usually technical, historical, formal in register.
Long measure: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɒŋ ˈmɛʒə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɔːŋ ˈmɛʒɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be a long measure off (to be significantly incorrect in estimation).”
- “To have someone's long measure (to understand their true capabilities or character fully).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LONG piece of cloth that you MEASURE with a yardstick.
Conceptual Metaphor
LONG MEASURE IS A RULE FOR EXTENT (Used to conceptualise evaluation of non-physical lengths, e.g., 'the long measure of one's patience').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'long measure' LEAST likely to be used?