gauge

12 synonyms for gauge, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Verb — To measure something precisely, especially using a dedicated instrument.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

measure estimate judge guess

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

assess evaluate approximate bore caliber

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

appraise calibre gage

Synonyms by Meaning

1. verb

To measure something precisely, especially using a dedicated instrument.

“Engineers gauge the thickness of the metal with a special instrument before cutting it.”

measure assess evaluate estimate judge appraise guess approximate

2. noun

An instrument used for measuring, or the standard measurement itself (such as the thickness of wire or sheet metal, or the diameter of a shotgun barrel).

“Check the fuel gauge before you set off on a long journey.”

calibre gage bore caliber

How to use gauge

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

gauge the reaction a fuel gauge wire gauge gauge public opinion

Etymology

From Old French gauge, related to a Frankish word for a measuring rod or pole — the same root that eventually gives us "gallows" (originally a cross-beam or pole).

Full origin of gauge →

Frequently asked questions

What does “gauge” mean?

The word “gauge” means to measure something precisely, especially using a dedicated instrument. In plain terms, to measure something exactly, or to judge/estimate something less exact, like a feeling or reaction.

How do you pronounce “gauge”?

“Gauge” is pronounced GAYJ (/ˈɡeɪd͡ʒ/ in IPA).

How do you use “gauge” in a sentence?

Here is “gauge” used in a sentence: “A dipstick is used to gauge the oil level in an engine.”

What part of speech is “gauge”?

Depending on how it is used, “gauge” can be a verb and a noun.

Where does the word “gauge” come from?

The word “gauge” comes from Old French. From Old French gauge, related to a Frankish word for a measuring rod or pole — the same root that eventually gives us "gallows" (originally a cross-beam or pole).

Is “gauge” a common word?

“Gauge” is a fairly common word in modern English.

How many meanings does “gauge” have?

“Gauge” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to measure something precisely, especially using a dedicated instrument.

Is it spelled gauge or guage?

The correct spelling is gauge, with the a before the u. "Guage" is one of the most common English misspellings because the word's -au- spelling does not match its "ay" pronunciation.

What is the difference between gauge and gage?

Gauge is the standard spelling for both the verb meaning to measure or estimate and the noun meaning a measuring instrument. Gage is an accepted American variant seen mainly in technical and engineering contexts, but gauge is the safer choice in general writing.

What is the difference between gauge and measure?

Measure is the general word for finding an exact size or amount, while gauge often implies either using a dedicated instrument or estimating something that is hard to measure directly. You measure a room, but you gauge someone's mood or reaction.

People also searched

guess judge measure estimate assess evaluate bore approximate caliber calibre gage appraise

Nearby words

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