measure off: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “measure off” mean?
To mark or set apart a specific length or area from a larger piece.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To mark or set apart a specific length or area from a larger piece.
To allocate, apportion, or define boundaries for something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. 'Metre' vs 'meter' spelling in context.
Connotations
Neutral and functional in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American technical manuals.
Grammar
How to Use “measure off” in a Sentence
[Subject] + measure off + [Measured Quantity] + (from + [Source])[Subject] + measure + [Indirect Object] + off + [Measured Quantity]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “measure off” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The surveyor will measure off a hectare from the northern boundary.
- She measured off three metres of silk for the dress.
American English
- We need to measure off a 50-foot section for the new patio.
- He measured the lot off according to the old deed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in project planning to allocate resources or budget segments.
Academic
Appears in geography (land use) and history (land grants).
Everyday
Rare; used in DIY, sewing, or gardening contexts.
Technical
Common in surveying, construction, textiles, and manufacturing.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “measure off”
- Confusing with 'measure out' (which implies distributing, e.g., ingredients). Using without an object (e.g., 'He measured off').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Measure off' focuses on marking a specific portion from a larger whole (e.g., land, fabric). 'Measure out' implies distributing or pouring a specific amount (e.g., flour, medicine).
Yes, it is a transitive phrasal verb where 'off' adds the meaning of separation or demarcation.
It's possible but rare and stylistic, e.g., 'She measured off her life in routine tasks.' Usually, it denotes physical measurement.
Omitting the object. Incorrect: 'He took the string and measured off.' Correct: 'He measured off three feet of string.'
To mark or set apart a specific length or area from a larger piece.
Measure off is usually formal / technical in register.
Measure off: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛʒə(r) ɒf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛʒər ɔːf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Measure off your life with coffee spoons (literary allusion)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a tailor MEASURING OFF a metre of cloth before cutting it OFF.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEFINING IS DEMARCATING (setting conceptual or physical limits).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'measure off' LEAST appropriate?