Mete

/miːt/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To distribute or apportion by measure; to give out, usually in a specific amount.

The teacher decided to mete out the assignments evenly among all the students.

To impose or administer, especially in relation to punishment.

The judge was known to mete out harsh sentences to repeat offenders.

To measure or allocate something, often in a careful or deliberate manner.

They had to mete out the supplies carefully to ensure everyone had enough.

Middle English, from Old French 'meter', which means 'to put, place'.

mete out

to give or distribute something, especially punishment.

mete justice

to administer justice or punishment.

measure

to determine the size, amount, or degree of something.

distribute

to give out or spread over a wide area.

to give out or distribute in a casual way

He just meted out some advice to his friends without thinking.