metric system: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Formal to neutral
Quick answer
What does “metric system” mean?
A decimal system of weights and measures based on the metre and kilogram.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A decimal system of weights and measures based on the metre and kilogram.
Internationally recognized system of measurement using standard units like metres, litres, and grams; also refers to any standardized, rational system of measurement or evaluation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, due to historical use of Imperial units, the term is often used contrastively ('metric vs Imperial'). In the US, it is used largely in scientific/educational contexts, as Imperial (US Customary) units dominate everyday life.
Connotations
UK: Associated with modernisation and EU alignment (historically). US: Often connotes scientific rigour, international standards, or government imposition.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English due to official adoption and public discourse. Lower in US everyday English but common in technical/scientific registers.
Grammar
How to Use “metric system” in a Sentence
[verb] + the metric system (adopt/use/convert_to)based on the metric systemin the metric systemswitch/transition to the metric systemVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metric system” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The UK officially metricated in the 1960s and 1970s.
- We need to metricate these old engineering drawings.
American English
- The project team decided to metricate their specifications for the global client.
- Few industries in the US have fully metricated.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in international trade, packaging, and specifications to ensure compatibility (e.g., 'All product dimensions must be given in the metric system').
Academic
Standard in scientific writing, research papers, and textbooks globally (e.g., 'Data was recorded using the metric system').
Everyday
Used when discussing recipes, weather (Celsius), distances (kilometres), or personal measurements (e.g., 'I measure my height in the metric system').
Technical
Foundational in engineering, medicine, and manufacturing for precision and standardisation (e.g., 'The blueprint uses the metric system for all tolerances').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metric system”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “metric system”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metric system”
- Incorrect: 'I weighed it in metric.' (Correct: '...in the metric system' or '...in metric units').
- Capitalisation error: 'the Metric system' is less common than 'the metric system'.
- Using 'metric' as a standalone noun for a single unit (e.g., 'Give me that in a metric' is wrong).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The International System of Units (SI) is the modern, official form of the metric system. In everyday language, 'metric system' often refers to SI.
The United States, Myanmar, and Liberia are the only countries that have not officially adopted the metric system as their primary system, though it is widely used in science, medicine, and various industries within them.
It was developed in France during the French Revolution and first adopted there in 1795.
It is a decimal system (based on powers of 10), making conversions between units (e.g., metres to kilometres) simple through multiplication or division by 10, 100, 1000, etc.
A decimal system of weights and measures based on the metre and kilogram.
Metric system is usually formal to neutral in register.
Metric system: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmet.rɪk ˈsɪs.təm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmet.rɪk ˌsɪs.təm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: METre is the core of the METric system. Both start with MET.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FRAMEWORK OR COMMON LANGUAGE (e.g., 'They needed a common metric system to compare the results').
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is NOT a base unit in the modern metric system (SI)?