measured
Americanadjective
-
ascertained or apportioned by measure.
The race was over the course of a measured mile.
-
accurately regulated or proportioned.
-
regular or uniform, as in movement; rhythmical.
to walk with measured strides.
-
deliberate and restrained; careful; carefully weighed or considered.
measured language; measured terms.
-
in the form of meter or verse; metrical.
adjective
-
determined by measurement
-
slow, stately, or leisurely
-
carefully considered; deliberate
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of measured
Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at measure, -ed 2
Explanation
Things done in a deliberate, rhythmic way are measured. When you're walking toward a deer in the woods, trying not to scare it off, you'll take slow, measured steps. When you meditate, you take measured breaths and pay attention to the inhale and exhale. And your measured strides up the side of a mountain trail will carry you more quickly to the top than short, erratic bursts of walking and stopping. Measured also means "thoughtful" or "careful," like the measured words you use in your delicately worded resignation letter.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
For Hooks, however, the renovation’s success will ultimately be measured by its impact on the surrounding community.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 29, 2026
The JMA measured the earthquake magnitude at 7.1 and the US Geological Survey later placed it at 6.8.
From BBC ● Jul. 29, 2026
"This could contribute to changes in macroeconomic conditions, periods of elevated volatility and more measured investor sentiment."
From Barron's ● Jul. 29, 2026
The Mars flyby, however, marked the first time the instrument measured the magnetic signature of a celestial body.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 28, 2026
It had a weight to it that couldn't be measured in ounces.
From "Millionaires for the Month" by Stacey McAnulty
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
