above measure Definition

measure
noun

1. Size, volume, etc determined by comparison with something of known size, etc, usually an instrument graded in standard units.

Thesaurus: dimension, capacity, degree, quantity, intensity, mass, frequency, density, viscosity, scope, magnitude, amplitude.
2. Such an instrument for taking a measurement of something.

Example: a tape-measure
3. A standard unit of size, etc; a standard amount.

Example: a measure of whisky
4. A system of such units.

Example: imperial measure
Example: metric measure
5. An action; a step.

Example: We must take drastic measures
Thesaurus: stratagem, device, means, procedure, course.
Form: measures (usually)
6. A limited, or appropriate, amount or extent.

Example: a measure of politeness
Example: in some measure
Example: had my measure of luck
7. An enactment or bill.

Thesaurus: bill, action, enactment, law, resolution, statute, proposal.
8. music.
Time or rhythm; a bar.
9. poetry.
Rhythm or metre.
10. A layer of rock containing a particular mineral, etc.

Example: coal measures
Form: measures (usually)
11. printing.
The width of a page or column of type, usually expressed in ems.
12. old use
A dance.
Example: tread a measure

verb measured, measuring

tr & intr
1. To determine the size, volume, etc of, usually with a specially made instrument or by comparing it to something else.

Thesaurus: assess, evaluate, estimate, judge, determine, calculate, appraise, gauge, quantify, weigh.
intr
2. To be a specified size.
3. To mark or divide something into units of a given size, etc.

Form: measure off something (also)
Form: measure something off
Form: measure out something
Form: measure something out
4. To set something in competition with something else.

Example: measure his strength against mine

Derivative: measuring
noun

Note: especially in compounds
Note: also as adj
Referring to an object used for measuring.
Example: measuring-jug

Idiom: above measure (beyond measure)

Exceptionally great; to an exceedingly great degree.

Idiom: be the measure of something

To be the standard by which to judge its quality.

Idiom: for good measure

As something extra, or above the minimum necessary.
Thesaurus: extra, added, as a bonus, to boot, additionally.

Idiom: get the measure of someone (have the measure of someone, have someone's measure, get someone's measure)

rather formal
To form or have an idea or judgement of their character or abilities.

Idiom: measure one's length

To fall down at full length on the ground.

Idiom: without measure

Inordinately; without restraint.

Etymology: 13c: from Latin mensura, from metiri to measure.

Phrasal Verb: measure someone up

To find out and take note of a person's measurements.
Example: was measured up for a new suit

Phrasal Verb: measure up to something

To reach the required standard; to be adequate.
Example: He just doesn't measure up to the job