measure for measure: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Literary, Formal, Rhetorical
Quick answer
What does “measure for measure” mean?
The principle of reciprocal justice, where the punishment or treatment received matches the crime or action given.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The principle of reciprocal justice, where the punishment or treatment received matches the crime or action given; retaliation in kind.
Any situation where an equivalent response or treatment is given in return, often used to describe strict justice, poetic justice, or tit-for-tat exchanges in various contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. The phrase is used identically in both varieties, though it may be slightly more recognised in BrE due to the cultural prominence of Shakespeare.
Connotations
In both varieties, connotes formal, often severe, justice. Can carry a slightly archaic or elevated tone.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech in both regions. More common in written, academic, or legal discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “measure for measure” in a Sentence
[Subject] demanded/got measure for measure.It was a case of measure for measure.To act/respond with measure for measure.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “measure for measure” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- He decided to act measure for measure.
- The court ruled measure for measure.
American English
- They responded measure for measure to the aggression.
- She believed in repaying measure for measure.
adjective
British English
- They adopted a measure-for-measure approach to sanctions.
- The debate centred on measure-for-measure justice.
American English
- It was a measure-for-measure response to the tariff.
- He believed in a measure-for-measure policy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could describe aggressive competitive strategies or contractual penalties ('The penalty clause was measure for measure.').
Academic
Used in literary criticism, legal philosophy, ethics, and theology to discuss theories of justice and retribution.
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation. Might be used humorously or pointedly about minor reciprocal actions ('I didn't invite her because she didn't invite me—measure for measure.').
Technical
In law, refers to the principle of proportionality in sentencing or damages. In game theory, describes a specific retaliatory strategy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “measure for measure”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “measure for measure”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “measure for measure”
- Using 'measure by measure' (incorrect).
- Confusing it with 'step by step'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He measure-for-measured the situation').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a relatively rare, formal, and literary phrase. It is most often encountered in discussions of law, ethics, literature, or as a cultural reference to Shakespeare.
Yes, though it's uncommon. It can be used in hyphenated form (measure-for-measure) to modify a noun, e.g., 'a measure-for-measure response'.
The phrase originates from the Bible (Matthew 7:2: '...with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.') and was popularized as the title of William Shakespeare's 1604 play.
'Tit for tat' is a common, informal idiom for any petty retaliation. 'Measure for measure' is formal, implies a stricter equivalence, and is strongly associated with moral or judicial justice.
The principle of reciprocal justice, where the punishment or treatment received matches the crime or action given.
Measure for measure is usually literary, formal, rhetorical in register.
Measure for measure: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmeʒə fə ˈmeʒə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛʒər fɔr ˈmɛʒər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “An eye for an eye (and a tooth for a tooth).”
- “Tit for tat.”
- “Pay someone back in their own coin.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of Shakespeare's play where the Duke administers justice: the punishment MEASURES up exactly to the crime.
Conceptual Metaphor
JUSTICE/EXCHANGE IS A BALANCED SCALE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'measure for measure' LEAST likely to be used?