measures

[ˈmɛʒərz]
noun/verb
medidas
1. Units or standards used for determining size, amount, or degree
The tailor took measures for the new suit.
O alfaiate tirou as medidas para o novo terno.
2. Actions or steps taken to achieve a particular purpose
The government implemented new measures to combat inflation.
O governo implementou novas medidas para combater a inflação.
3. Rhythmic patterns in music; musical time
The song has four measures per bar.
A música tem quatro tempos por compasso.
4. Third person singular present tense of 'measure' (verb)
She measures the ingredients carefully.
Ela mede os ingredientes com cuidado.
In both Brazilian and American English contexts, 'measures' is frequently used in political and economic discourse. Brazilian Portuguese mirrors this usage precisely with 'medidas', particularly when discussing government policies, economic measures, or safety protocols. The term is formal and widely understood across all socioeconomic groups.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
stepsactionsproceduresdimensionsstandardsmetrics
Antonyms / Antônimos
inactionnegligence

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
medidas
Most common term for both physical measurements and actions/policies
Rio de Janeiro
medidas
Same usage as general Brazilian Portuguese
São Paulo
medidas
Same usage as general Brazilian Portuguese; often used in business/government contexts
Portugal
medidas
Identical usage to Brazilian Portuguese

Related Words

measurementmetermetricgaugeestimatecalculate

Related Idioms & Phrases

take measures - tomar medidas (to take action)
beyond measure - além da medida (excessive)
for good measure - por se lhe acrescentar mais um pouco (as an extra addition)
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