measurement
B2Neutral, leaning formal. Common in academic, scientific, technical, and business contexts; also used in everyday language.
Definition
Meaning
The process, action, or result of finding the size, quantity, or degree of something using standard units.
Any systematic determination of a physical quantity or parameter; a dimension, size, or amount obtained by measuring; in a figurative sense, a standard or criterion used for assessment.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Refers to both the *process* ('the act of measurement') and the *result* ('write down the measurement'). In academic/technical contexts, it is a key concept of quantitative research and engineering.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling differences in related forms: BrE 'metre', AmE 'meter'. The word 'measurement' itself has no spelling variation. BrE may be slightly more likely to use the plural form 'measurements' in contexts like taking a person's measurements for clothing.
Connotations
Largely identical. Connotes precision, quantification, science.
Frequency
Very high and similar frequency in both varieties. Slightly more technical/scientific connotation in AmE general use.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[measurement of + NOUN][take/make a measurement of + NOUN][measurement that + CLAUSE]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “take someone's measurements”
- “beyond measurement”
- “get a measurement on (something/someone)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are used for the measurement of business success.
Academic
The experiment's validity depends on the accurate measurement of all variables.
Everyday
I need your waist measurement to buy the right size trousers.
Technical
The sensor provides a real-time measurement of atmospheric pressure.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We need to measure the room before ordering the carpet.
American English
- They'll measure the windows for new blinds next week.
adverb
British English
- It is measurably colder today than yesterday.
American English
- The new policy has measurably improved efficiency.
adjective
British English
- This is a measuring jug, specifically for liquids.
American English
- The measuring tape is in the toolbox.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The measurement of the table is 120 centimetres long.
- What is your height measurement?
- For the recipe, you need exact measurements of flour and sugar.
- We took measurements of all the windows.
- The study relies on the precise measurement of environmental factors.
- Performance measurement is crucial for project management.
- The validity of the research hinges on the replicability of its measurements.
- Anthropometric measurements were recorded for each participant in the cohort study.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MEasure' + 'a MENTal note of size'. You make a mental note when you take a measurement.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNDERSTANDING IS MEASURING ('He took the measure of the situation'), STANDARDS ARE MEASUREMENTS ('Actions are judged by a moral measurement').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'размер' as 'measurement' for clothing sizes; 'size' is correct. 'Measurement' is the *process* or *result* of measuring. The Russian 'измерение' is a good equivalent.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'measure' (verb) where 'measurement' (noun) is needed: Incorrect: 'I took the measure.' Correct: 'I took the measurement.'
- Confusing plural and singular: Incorrect: 'The measurement are important.' Correct: 'The measurements are important.'
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'measurement' used to mean a *dimension* rather than an *action*?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is usually countable when referring to a specific result ('three different measurements'), but can be uncountable when referring to the process or concept ('Measurement is fundamental to science').
'Measurement' is the act or result of measuring. 'Measure' can mean a step/action ('a safety measure'), a unit ('a measure of grain'), or a legislative bill. They overlap in meaning 'dimension', but 'measurement' is more common in technical contexts.
'Measurements' is the standard plural form.
Not always. 'Measuring' is the present participle/gerund of the verb and often describes the activity ('a measuring cup'). 'Measurement' is the noun for the process or result. You 'take a measurement' while you are 'measuring' something.
Collections
Part of a collection
Science and Technology
B1 · 47 words · Basic scientific concepts and modern technology.
Science and Research
B2 · 43 words · Academic and scientific research methodology.