Meaning & use
measurement
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Meanings
nouncountable
The size, length, or amount of something, found by using a tool or standard unit.
Grammar: Countable: you can talk about one measurement or several measurements.
Patterns
- take a measurement
- measurement of something
- measurement in units
The tailor took my measurements before making the suit.
The measurement of the room is five meters by four.
Accurate measurements are essential in cooking.
noununcountable
The act or process of measuring something.
Grammar: Uncountable: used without 'a' or a plural when referring to the activity in general.
Patterns
- measurement of something
- for measurement
- measurement techniques
The measurement of air quality takes place every hour.
Precise measurement is crucial in scientific experiments.
The instrument is used for the measurement of temperature.
Word forms
| plural | measurements |
|---|
Common combinations
- take measurements
- The carpenter took measurements of the door frame.
- accurate measurement
- Accurate measurement of the ingredients ensures a good cake.
- unit of measurement
- The meter is a standard unit of measurement.
- measurement error
- A small measurement error can change the result.
- body measurements
- She recorded her body measurements to track her fitness.
Synonyms and how they differ
- dimension
- Use dimension for a specific aspect like length, width, or height; measurement is the general result of measuring.
- size
- Size is less precise and often used for clothing or objects; measurement suggests an exact figure.
- calculation
- Calculation involves working with numbers, while measurement involves using tools to find physical quantities.
Word family
- measure verb
- To find the size or amount of something.
- measurable adjective
- Able to be measured.
- measured adjective
- Careful and controlled; also meaning found by measuring.
Commonly confused: measurement or measuring?
measurement vs measuring
Measuring is the -ing form of the verb; measurement is the noun. Use 'measuring' for the action: 'She is measuring the table.'
Practice
The tailor asked for my ___ before sewing the dress.
Choose one answer.
We need a noun to complete the phrase 'my ___'; 'measurement' is the noun meaning the size found by measuring. 'Measure' can be a noun but usually means a step or action, not a body size; 'measuring' is a verb form, and 'measured' is an adjective or past tense.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “measurement”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.