Mete: meaning, definitions and examples

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mete

 

[ miːt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

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

Translations of the word "mete" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mete

🇮🇳 मेट (mete)

🇩🇪 Meteor

🇮🇩 meteor

🇺🇦 метеор

🇵🇱 meteor

🇯🇵 流星 (ryūsei)

🇫🇷 météore

🇪🇸 meteoro

🇹🇷 meteor

🇰🇷 유성 (yuseong)

🇸🇦 نجم شهاب (najm shihaab)

🇨🇿 meteorit

🇸🇰 meteorit

🇨🇳 流星 (liúxīng)

🇸🇮 meteor

🇮🇸 fell

🇰🇿 метеор (meteor)

🇬🇪 მეტეორიტი (meteoriti)

🇦🇿 meteor

🇲🇽 meteoro

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,945, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.