Mete Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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mete
[miːt ]
Definition
measurement distribution
To mete out is to distribute or apportion something, often punishments or rewards. This term is commonly used in legal contexts, where a judge may mete out sentences to offenders. Additionally, it can refer to the allocation of resources or responsibilities in various settings, such as workplaces or families. The phrase 'mete out justice' is often used to imply that justice is being fairly administered.
Synonyms
administer, allocate, apportion, dispense, distribute.
Examples of usage
- The judge decided to mete out a strict sentence.
- In her role as manager, she must mete out tasks to her team members.
- He was known to mete out kindness to those in need.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Law
- In legal contexts, 'mete out' often refers to administering justice or punishment, as in 'mete out a sentence'.
- The phrase 'mete out justice' emphasizes fairness in the application of laws.
- Historically, judges often had to mete out punishments that fit the crime.
Literature
- The concept of measuring and distributing can often be found in poetry and prose, symbolizing fairness or inequality.
- Famous writers like Shakespeare have used metaphors involving mete to convey themes of justice and balance.
- In some literary works, characters who mete out kindness are often depicted as virtuous.
Philosophy
- There’s a philosophical debate regarding equity and fairness in distribution, viewed through the lens of what it means to 'mete out' resources.
- Ethical theories often discuss how to fairly mete out rewards or punishments based on actions.
- The idea of meting out kindness aligns with concepts of moral obligation and human connection.
Cultural Practices
- Many cultures have rituals that involve meting out resources like food during feasts or celebrations.
- The practice of meting out resources often reflects societal values regarding sharing and community support.
- In historical village life, leaders were often responsible for meting out supplies during harvest times.
Origin of 'mete'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Old English 'metan', meaning to measure.
- It has roots in the Latin word 'metiri', which also means to measure.
- The word evolved to describe not just measuring but also the act of distributing measured amounts.
The word 'mete' originates from the Old English 'metan', which means 'to measure' or 'to mete out'. Its roots can be traced back to Proto-Germanic and Proto-Indo-European languages, where concepts of measuring and dividing were foundational. Historically, 'mete' was used not only in reference to physical measurement but also in a metaphorical sense of measuring out justice or moral judgment. The term has evolved through centuries, with its usage becoming more pronounced in legal and formal contexts, particularly in literature from the medieval period onward. The association with distributing justice emphasizes the moral weight of the term, highlighting the responsibilities of those in power. 'Mete' has thus intertwined measurement with ethical considerations, making its use significant in both legal and philosophical discussions.