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Metric: meaning, definitions and examples

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metric

 

[ ˈmɛtrɪk ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

system of measurement

Relating to or using the metric system of measurement, which is based on the meter, kilogram, and second as units of length, weight, and time.

Synonyms

metrical, standardized.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
metric

Used to refer to a system or standard of measurement, or a method for objectively evaluating something.

  • The company evaluates performance based on key metrics.
  • The metric system is used internationally for scientific measurements.
metrical

Typically used in relation to poetry or music, indicating a structured rhythm or pattern of beats.

  • The poem follows a strict metrical pattern.
  • The song's metrical structure makes it very catchy.
standardized

Used when referring to a process or item that has been made uniform or consistent, often to improve efficiency and comparability.

  • The test was standardized to ensure fairness for all students.
  • The company uses standardized procedures for quality control.

Examples of usage

  • The metric system is widely used around the world for its simplicity and consistency.
  • Scientists prefer to work with metric measurements for accuracy and ease of comparison.
Context #2 | Noun

system of measurement

A system of measurement that is based on the meter, kilogram, and second as units of length, weight, and time.

Synonyms

SI units, metric system.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
metric

Specifically referring to the metric system in technical or educational contexts.

  • France was one of the first countries to adopt the metric system.
  • The metric system is used worldwide, except in a few countries.
metric system

Used when talking about the standardized system of measurement based on meters, liters, and grams, typically in scientific or academic discussions.

  • The metric system simplifies conversions between units.
  • Most scientific research is conducted using the metric system.
SI units

Refers specifically to the International System of Units, used in formal, scientific, and technical contexts.

  • The experiment's results should be reported in SI units.
  • Engineers use SI units to ensure precision and standardization.

Examples of usage

  • Learning the metric system can be challenging for those accustomed to imperial measurements.
  • The advantages of the metric system include its decimal nature and ease of conversion.

Translations

Translations of the word "metric" in other languages:

🇵🇹 métrico

🇮🇳 मेट्रिक

🇩🇪 metrisch

🇮🇩 metrik

🇺🇦 метричний

🇵🇱 metryczny

🇯🇵 メートル法の

🇫🇷 métrique

🇪🇸 métrico

🇹🇷 metrik

🇰🇷 미터법의

🇸🇦 متري

🇨🇿 metrický

🇸🇰 metrický

🇨🇳 公制的

🇸🇮 metrični

🇮🇸 metrískur

🇰🇿 метрлік

🇬🇪 მეტრული

🇦🇿 metrik

🇲🇽 métrico

Etymology

The word 'metric' originated in the late 18th century, deriving from the French 'métrique', which in turn came from the Greek 'metron' meaning 'measure'. The metric system was officially introduced in France in the 1790s during the French Revolution as a way to standardize measurements and promote uniformity. It has since become the most widely used system of measurement in the world, adopted by the majority of countries for its simplicity and ease of use.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,905 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.