1 A2 neutral
To take a precise amount of a substance using a measuring tool.
"The recipe says to measure out 200 grams of sugar before adding it to the bowl."
separable
measure out
A2 neutral separable transitive
To take a precise, specific quantity of something, usually using a measuring tool.
In plain English
Use a spoon, cup, or scale to take exactly the right amount of something.
What does "measure out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic formal
(Literary) To distribute or apportion something carefully, especially time or justice.
"He measured out his words carefully, choosing each one to have maximum impact."
“
I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.
— T.S. Eliot, 'The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock' (1915)
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To measure a quantity and take it 'out' of the main supply — quite transparent.
Actually means
Use a spoon, cup, or scale to take exactly the right amount of something.
Usage tip
Very common in cooking and baking instructions. Also used in medical, scientific, and pharmaceutical contexts. 'Measure out' emphasizes the precision of the action. Can be used figuratively in literary contexts.
Words that pair with "measure out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
flour sugar medicine liquid dose ingredients
How to conjugate "measure out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
measure out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
measures out
he/she/it
Past simple
measured out
yesterday
Past participle
measured out
have + pp
-ing form
measuring out
continuous
Hear "measure out" in the wild
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Other ways to say "measure out"
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Keep exploring
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