measures: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal to Neutral
Quick answer
What does “measures” mean?
Actions, steps, or procedures taken to achieve a particular purpose or deal with a situation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Actions, steps, or procedures taken to achieve a particular purpose or deal with a situation.
Plural form: Concrete actions or policies; can also refer to units or standards of size, quantity, or degree. As a verb (third person singular): to ascertain the dimensions, quantity, or capacity of something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. In the context of legislation or policy, both use 'measures' identically. Spelling differences follow regional conventions (e.g., metre/meter as a unit).
Connotations
Slightly more bureaucratic/formally procedural connotation in UK English. Slightly more pragmatic/outcome-focused connotation in US English, but the distinction is very subtle.
Frequency
Comparably high frequency in both varieties, common in political, business, and technical discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “measures” in a Sentence
[Subject] + take + measures + to + [infinitive] (The government took measures to curb inflation).[Subject] + implement/introduce + measures + [against/for] (They implemented measures against fraud).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “measures” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The surveyor carefully measures the plot in metres.
- This device measures your heart rate.
American English
- The contractor measures the area in square feet.
- The app measures your daily screen time.
adverb
British English
- N/A for 'measures'. 'Measurably' is the adverb.
American English
- N/A for 'measures'. 'Measurably' is the adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A for 'measures'. 'Measured' is the adjective.
American English
- N/A for 'measures'. 'Measured' is the adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to cost-cutting measures, performance measures, or corrective actions to improve KPIs.
Academic
Quantitative or qualitative units of observation; statistical measures; policy interventions in social sciences.
Everyday
Steps taken to solve a problem at home (e.g., 'We need to take measures to stop the draught').
Technical
Units of measurement (e.g., imperial measures); specific actions in engineering or IT (e.g., safety measures).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “measures”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “measures”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “measures”
- Using 'a measures' (incorrect, as plural).
- Confusing 'measure' (verb/noun) with 'measurement' (primarily a noun for the act or result of measuring).
- Using 'make measures' instead of the strong collocation 'take measures'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. As a noun, it is often plural when referring to actions, but singular ('a measure') is also common for a single action or unit. As a verb, 'measures' is the third person singular present tense form.
They are largely synonymous, but 'measures' often sounds more formal, systematic, or official, while 'steps' can sound more informal or personal.
Yes, in American English, a 'measure' is a segment of time in musical notation (equivalent to a 'bar' in British English). 'Measures' is the plural.
Verb: 'I need to measure the room.' (action). Noun (action): 'We must adopt a new measure.' Noun (unit): 'A metre is a measure of length.' The context usually makes it clear.
Actions, steps, or procedures taken to achieve a particular purpose or deal with a situation.
Measures is usually formal to neutral in register.
Measures: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛʒ.əz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛʒ.ɚz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “For good measure (as an extra amount or to be sure).”
- “Take the measure of someone (to assess someone's character or abilities).”
- “In full measure (completely, to the fullest extent).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a tailor taking MEASURES (with a tape measure) to MAKE SURE the suit fits. Both involve careful, deliberate steps.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACTION IS A MEASURED QUANTITY (e.g., 'drastic measures' implies a large, significant amount of action). PROBLEM-SOLVING IS A RECIPE (measures are specific ingredients/steps).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely meaning of 'measures' in a formal report?