Meanings and Measures of Language

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Questions and Answers

What is a mess hall?

A storage area for military supplies.

A place where military members relax.

A meeting room for officers.

A room where military personnel eat their meals. (correct)

Which of the following best describes the verb 'to merit'?

To involve oneself in minor conflicts.

To deserve something based on qualities. (correct)

To take something without permission.

To avoid taking responsibility.

In the phrase 'mess around,' what does it mean?

To create a mess in a physical space.

To engage in serious work.

To waste time without a clear purpose. (correct)

To help someone with their tasks.

What happens when someone 'messes with something'?

They make unintended alterations to it. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'meringue' refer to?

A mixture of sugar and egg whites baked until firm. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'mean' imply when referring to someone's actions?

They are unkind or not caring. Signup and view all the answers

In what context is the term 'measure' used when discussing promotions?

It denotes the amount of luck involved. Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'measurement' defined as in this content?

The act of measuring physical attributes. Signup and view all the answers

What does the expression 'mean well' indicate about a person's intentions?

They intend to be helpful despite misunderstandings. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'meat-and-potatoes' represent?

Basic and important issues. Signup and view all the answers

Which option best describes the verb 'meander'?

To take a winding or indirect route. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes 'media' in this context?

A combination of various communication forms. Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario does 'measure up' imply a comparison?

When judging quality or expectations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a collection of different animals kept for people to see?

Menagerie Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a soldier fighting for money?

Mercenary Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when someone is 'on the mend'?

Recovering from an illness Signup and view all the answers

How is 'merchandising' primarily defined?

The act of selling goods Signup and view all the answers

What type of job does 'menial' refer to?

Needing little skill or education Signup and view all the answers

Which word describes a strong desire to punish or show no kindness?

Merciless Signup and view all the answers

What does 'mend' imply in the context of health?

To recover from an illness Signup and view all the answers

Which option reflects the meaning of 'mesh' when discussing gears?

To fit together properly Signup and view all the answers

What type of performance would be described as 'mesmerizing'?

Completely engaging Signup and view all the answers

Which term indicates a number of items offered on a computer screen?

Menu Signup and view all the answers

What type of situation does 'messy' describe?

Confused and dirty Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to 'merge' in a business context?

To come together as one entity Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of 'mere' in the context of importance?

Only; nothing more than Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of 'mercifully' in the context of a situation?

Fortunately or luckily Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'meditate' imply when related to giving one's attention to a single focus?

To think deeply or seriously about something Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following definitions best describes 'melody' as used in the context of music?

A harmonious sequence of notes which is musically satisfying Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the term 'meet up'?

To make arrangements to see someone Signup and view all the answers

What is a meatball primarily made of?

Ground meat formed into a ball Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of mediation?

To help resolve a disagreement Signup and view all the answers

How is the term 'medium' primarily described in the context of measurement?

A standard or average size or amount Signup and view all the answers

'Mellow' when referring to flavor or tone is best described as:

Smooth and soft Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to a doctor examining dead bodies?

Medical examiner Signup and view all the answers

What does Medicaid do?

Pays for medical treatment for poorer individuals Signup and view all the answers

In what context is the term 'medley' used?

An arrangement of different tune pieces together Signup and view all the answers

What does 'meltdown' imply in regards to nuclear accidents?

A dangerous incident involving fuel losing form Signup and view all the answers

What does the adjective 'mechanical' imply?

Related to machines or their parts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a medic?

A person providing medical help in the armed forces Signup and view all the answers

What describes the characteristic of 'meek'?

Quiet and unwilling to confront Signup and view all the answers

What does 'meet someone halfway' signify in a negotiation?

To find a middle ground in terms of agreement Signup and view all the answers

What does 'medicate' mean?

To treat someone with a medicine Signup and view all the answers

Which term defines an accident or unpleasant experience in the phrase 'met with'?

To encounter or experience something negative Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of medical research?

To improve treatment for diseases Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'mediocre' suggest?

Just acceptable but not good Signup and view all the answers

What does 'mediocrity' suggest about performance or quality?

Average performance that lacks distinction Signup and view all the answers

What does 'membership' signify?

The status of belonging to an organization or group Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a correct description of a medal?

A metal disk given to recognize achievements Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a mechanic?

To repair or work on machines Signup and view all the answers

The prefix 'mega-' indicates which of the following?

An extremely large size or amount Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a 'melting pot'?

A situation where diverse cultures mix and blend Signup and view all the answers

In the context of highways, what is a median strip?

A narrow strip of land separating traffic Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to 'meddle'?

To try to change or influence things disapprovingly Signup and view all the answers

What is a memento primarily used for?

To help remember a person or event Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to a thin layer of tissue covering organs?

Membrane Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'melodramatic' imply about a person’s behavior?

More extreme than usual Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Memorial Day in the U.S.?

Honors military members who died in war Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fruit is categorized as a melon?

Watermelon Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the term 'menstruate'?

To experience a flow of blood Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'mercenary' primarily refer to?

A soldier hired for service Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary emotion depicted in a melodrama?

Extreme emotion Signup and view all the answers

How is 'melt' defined in terms of physical states?

To transition from solid to liquid Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes 'memorable'?

Likely to be remembered Signup and view all the answers

What does 'menacingly' suggest about someone's actions?

In a threatening way Signup and view all the answers

What is implied by the phrase 'melt in your mouth'?

To taste flavorful and enjoyable Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Meanings of "Mean"

Unkind or not caring: A measure of his popularity was that he got over 70% of the vote.
Amount or degree: There was a large measure of luck in his quick promotion.
A bar: A measure is also a bar.
Slang - very good: She plays a mean bass fiddle.

Idioms with "Mean"

Mean business: To be serious about taking action.
Mean well: To intend to be helpful, sometimes unintentionally causing problems.

"Measure" Definitions

Way to achieve something: Medicare was a measure intended to guarantee healthcare for everyone over 65.
Measurement: The act of measuring, or the length, height, width, etc., which is discovered by measuring something. The test is based on the measurement of blood sugar. The measurements of several drawings were identical.

"Meander" Definition

To follow a route that is not straight or direct: Hikers can meander along the path next to the river for several miles.

"Measure Up" Definition

To be as good as something else or expected: We compared the movie to some of the other students' films to see how it measured up.

"Meat" Definition

Flesh of animals used for food: Get a pound of chopped meat from the supermarket on your way home.

"Meaty" Definition

Containing a lot of meat: A meaty meal.

"Meatball" Definition

Small ball made of meat: Spaghetti and meatballs.

"Meat Loaf" Definition

Baked meat: Meat that has been cut into small pieces, shaped, and baked.

"Mecca" Definition

Place to which many people are attracted: Historic Creek Street has become a tourist mecca.

"Mediate" Definition

To help solve a disagreement: Last-minute attempts at mediation failed, and the workers went on strike.

"Mechanical" Definitions

Of machines or their parts: A mechanical problem.
Without thinking: The garbagemen worked in a slow, mechanical way.
The way something works: You have to be familiar with the mechanics of the criminal justice system.

"Mechanism" Definitions

Part of a machine: Automatic cameras have a special focusing mechanism.
Way of doing something: The mechanism for collecting taxes needs revising.

"Medal" Definitions

Small metal disk for recognizing achievement: She won three Olympic gold medals.

"Medalist" Definition

Person who has won a medal: She’s the gold/silver/bronze medalist in foil fencing.

"Medallion" Definitions

Metal disk worn as decoration: He drove a medallion taxi while he attended college at night.
Round piece of meat: Medallions of lamb/veal.

"Medicine" Definitions

Science of health and treatment: The science dealing with the preserving of health, preventing and treating disease or injury. Pediatrics is a branch of medicine.
Substance for treating illness: Take two spoonfuls of cough medicine. This antibiotic should not be taken with other medicines.

"Medicinal" Definition

Relating to medicine or treatment: The Indians used the plant as a medicinal substance.

"Medicate" Definition

Treat with medicine: Patients are usually medicated with tranquilizers before having anesthesia.

"Medication" Definition

Substance used to treat illness: Are you taking any medications now? I’m on medication for my heart condition.

"Medically" Definition

Related to medicine: Staying another night in the hospital was not medically necessary.

"Meddle" Definition

Disapproving - to try to change things: Don't want my parents meddling in my affairs.

"Mega-" Definition

Extremely big or large amount: His last movie made him a megastar.

"Megabyte" Definition

Unit of computer storage space: A megabyte is 1,048,576 bytes.

"Megalomania" Definition

Belief of being more important than real: The belief that you are more important and powerful than you really are.

"Megaphone" Definition

Hollow device to amplify voice: A hollow, cone-shaped device that makes your voice louder.

"Melancholy" Definition

Feeling sadness: A melancholy song. Larry is in a very melancholy mood.

"Melee" Definition

Confused and uncontrolled situation, especially a fight: Sometime during the melee, three shots were fired.

"Member" Definition

Person or thing part of a group: She's a member of our team. The lion is a member of the cat family.

"Membership" Definition

State of belonging: We applied for membership in the country club.

"Mellow" Definitions

Pleasing because smooth, soft, or well-developed: A mellow flavor/tone.
Relaxed and pleasant: He looks mellow on stage, but he’s always tense before the show.
To become relaxed: She used to be very impatient, but she’s mellowed.

"Mellow Out" Definition

Become more relaxed: My dad has definitely mellowed out as he’s gotten older.

"Melodrama" Definition

Play or acting style with exaggerated emotions: A play or acting style in which characters are more noticeable than real people.

"Melodramatic" Definition

Tending to behave or show emotion in exaggerated ways: I’ve always been a little melodramatic.

"Melody" Definition

Main tune in a piece of music: Could you play the melody for me?

"Melodic" Definition

Relating to a tune or having a pleasant tune: A melodic theme.

"Melodious" Definition

Pleasant and relaxing to listen to: A melodious theme.

"Melon" Definition

Round, sweet fruit: I put orange, banana, and melon in the fruit salad.

"Melt" Definitions

Change from solid to liquid by heating: The sun melted the snow. The ice cream was starting to melt.
To disappear: Gradually her anger melted away.
Heat until loses shape: Spaniards melted down Aztec jewelry for its gold.
Lose ability to operate: If an organization melts down, it loses its ability to operate.

"Meltdown" Definition

Dangerous accident during nuclear reactor: A dangerous accident in which the fuel melts down in a nuclear reactor.

"Memento" Definition

Object to remember a person or event: An object to help remember a person or event.

"Memorable" Definition

Likely to be remembered: A memorable song/story. Dizzy Dean was one of baseball’s most memorable personalities.

"Memorably" Definition

Worth remembering: The part was played memorably by Humphrey Bogart.

"Memorandum" Definition

Written report with specific information: A written report outlining particular matters.

"Memoir" Definition

Written account of personal knowledge or experiences: A written record of personal knowledge and experiences.

"Memorabilia" Definition

Objects collected for sentimental value: Objects collected because of their connection to a person or event.

"Memorize" Definition

Learn something for exact recall: She memorized her friends’ phone numbers.

"Memory" Definitions

Ability to remember: The ability to remember things. She has a vivid memory for names.
Part of a computer storing information: A computer's memory is the part where information is stored.
Thing that you remember: That song brings back memories. A service was held in memory of those who died in the earthquake.

"Men" Definition

Plural of "man": Men.

"Menace" Definitions

Danger or something harmful: There was an air of controlled menace about him.
To threaten: A hurricane menaced the east coast yesterday.

"Menacing" Definition

Threatening: A menacing gesture.

"Menacingly" Definition

In a threatening manner: She glared menacingly at him.

"Menagerie" Definition

Collection of different animals: A collection of different animals kept for viewing.

"Mentor" Definition

Experienced, trusted advisor: An experienced, trusted person who gives advice and help related to work or school.

"Mentoring" Definition

Giving advice and help: The students’ chances can be improved with more studying, mentoring, and intensive review.

List of dishes: A list of dishes served at a meal.

"Mercenary" Definitions

Soldier fighting for pay: A soldier who fights for a foreign country or group for pay.
Interested only in money: I don’t trust his motives— he’s too mercenary.

"Merchandise" Definition

Goods bought and sold: Goods that are bought and sold.

"Merchandising" Definition

Advertising and selling goods: The activity of advertising and selling goods.

"Mermaid" Definition

Imaginary creature: An imaginary creature with a woman's upper body and a fish's tail.

"Merchant" Definition

Person involved in buying and selling goods: A person whose business is buying and selling goods.

"Merchant Marine" Definition

Country's trade ships: A country’s ships involved in trade.

"Merry" Definition

Happy or showing enjoyment: Happy or showing enjoyment.

"Merry-go-round" Definition

Circular toy with animals: A circular stage with brightly colored artificial animals that children ride on.

"Mercy" Definitions

Kindness: Kindness shown toward someone you can punish.
Lucky occurrence: Something considered lucky because it's not as bad as expected.

"Merciful" Definition

Kind and forgiving: Kind and forgiving.

"Merciless" Definition

Showing no kindness: Cruel.

"Mercilessly" Definition

In a cruel manner: Teased mercilessly.

"Merit" Definitions

Quality of being good: The quality of being good and deserving praise.
To deserve something: To deserve something, like careful attention.

"Merit" Definition

Quality of being good: The quality of being good and deserving praise; a good quality.

"Merely" Definition

Only; nothing more: Only; nothing more.

"Mercifully" Definition

Luckily: Luckily.

"Mesh" Definitions

Loosely woven material: A material loosely woven of wire, plastic, or thread.
Fit together; be suitable: To fit together or be suitable for each other.

"Mesmerize" Definition

Hold complete attention: To hold completely the attention of someone.

"Mesmerizing" Definition

Holding complete attention: A mesmerizing performance.

"Mess" Definitions

Disorder or confusion: A condition of disorder or confusion, or something in that condition.
Dirty condition: A dirty condition.
Situation full of problems: A situation full of problems.

"Messy" Definition

Dirty, unpleasant, or disordered: Dirty, unpleasant, lacking order. A messy situation is one that is confused and unpleasant.

"Mess Up" Definition

To harm or make a mistake: Kissing someone to mess up lipstick; wasting time.

"Meet" Definitions

Come together: To come together with another person.
Satisfy or achieve: To fulfill, satisfy, or achieve.
Sports event: A series of competitions.
Agree to do part of what someone wants: Agreed to do part of what someone wants.

"Medium" Definitions

Average size or degree: Being in the middle between upper and lower amounts, sizes, or degrees.
Way of cooking meat or fish: A way of cooking meat or fish until it’s no longer red.
Method of expression: A method or way of expressing something.
Person claiming to connect with the dead: Someone who says they can receive messages from the dead.

"Meeting" Definition

Occasion of people coming together: An occasion when people come together.

"Medieval" Definition

Of or from the Middle Ages: Of or from the Middle Ages (roughly 500-1500).

"Mediocre" Definition

Just acceptable, not good: Just acceptable but not good.

"Mediocrity" Definition

Lack of excellence: Lack of excellence or quality.

"Meditate" Definitions

Think seriously: To think seriously about something.
Focusing attention: To give your attention to one thing and not think of anything else.

"Meditation" Definition

Serious thought or attentive focus: Serious thought or attentive focus, especially as a religious practice or way to calm or relax.

"Meningitis" Definition

Swelling of brain membrane: Swelling of the brain's outer membrane, caused by infection.

"Menstruate" Definition

Having monthly flow of blood: To have a flow of blood from the uterus.

"Menstruation" Definition

Monthly uterine bleeding: The flow of blood from a woman's uterus.

"Menstrual" Definition

Of menstruation: Of menstruation.

"Menswear" Definition

Clothing for men: Clothing for men.

"Menthol" Definition

Natural substance from peppermint: A natural substance made from peppermint.

"Meek" Definition

Quiet and unwilling to disagree: Quiet and unwilling to disagree or fight.

"MEEKLY" Definition

Quietly and submissively: Quietly and submissively.

"Meeting House" Definition

Christian place of worship: especially for Quakers.

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