Meaning & use
measured approach
Last updated
Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
a careful and controlled way of dealing with a situation, avoiding extreme or hasty actions
Grammar: Used as a countable phrase: 'a measured approach' or 'their measured approach'. The adjective 'measured' is not gradable here.
Patterns
- take a measured approach
- adopt a measured approach
- a measured approach to something
The government took a measured approach to the economic crisis, avoiding sudden cuts.
She is known for her measured approach to difficult negotiations.
We need a measured approach to expanding the business, not reckless spending.
Common combinations
- take a measured approach
- The team decided to take a measured approach to the redesign.
- a measured approach to something
- He has a measured approach to risk management.
- adopt a measured approach
- The company adopted a measured approach to hiring new staff.
- a calm and measured approach
- Her calm and measured approach helped resolve the conflict.
Synonyms and how they differ
- cautious approach
- Emphasizes avoiding risk, while 'measured' emphasizes control and balance.
- gradual approach
- Focuses on doing things slowly over time, not necessarily on careful judgment.
- deliberate approach
- Suggests intentional and unhurried action, often with a sense of planning.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: measured approach or moderate approach?
measured approach vs moderate approach
This means avoiding extreme positions, often in politics; 'measured' is more about careful, calm action.
Practice
Instead of reacting angrily, the manager took a ______ approach and listened to both sides.
Choose one answer.
'Measured' means careful and controlled, which fits listening calmly. 'Reckless', 'sudden', and 'extreme' all suggest hasty or unbalanced behavior, the opposite of what the sentence describes.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “measured approach”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.