Etymology Map
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Measure

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means to find the size of; a unit or step

Where does the word "measure" come from? It comes from Latin mensura, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
mensura
Latin · ancient
"measuring"
from 'metiri', to measure
2
Stage 2 of 3
mesure
Old French · medieval
"moderation, measure"
also meant moderation, the proper limit
3
Stage 3 of 3
measure
English · 1200s
"a unit; moderation"
'for good measure' comes from traders adding a little extra
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Read the full story

Measure’s story begins in Latin: mensura meant “measuring.” From 'metiri', to measure. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as mesure. Also meant moderation, the proper limit. It reached English by 1200s as measure. 'for good measure' comes from traders adding a little extra. Today, measure means to find the size of; a unit or step.