mete Meaning & Definition
What Does Mete Mean?
Mete is a verb that means To dispense, measure in order to dispense, allot (especially punishment, reward etc.). As a noun, it means A boundary or other limit; a boundary-marker; mere. As an adjective, it means Obsolete spelling of meet (“suitable, fitting”).
Mete at a Glance
| Part of speech | verb, noun, adjective |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /miːt/ |
| Plural | metes |
| Comparative / superlative | more mete, most mete |
| Verb forms | metes, meting, meted |
Mete Definition (Verb)
- To dispense, measure in order to dispense, allot (especially punishment, reward etc.).
Mete as a Noun
- A boundary or other limit; a boundary-marker; mere.
Mete as an Adjective
- Obsolete spelling of meet (“suitable, fitting”).
Synonyms of Mete
The source does not list synonyms for this entry.
Mete synonyms and antonyms →Word Forms & Grammar
mete (third-person singular simple present metes, present participle meting, simple past and past participle meted)
mete (plural metes)
mete (comparative more mete, superlative most mete)
Words That Rhyme With Mete
Origin of Mete
Origin 1: From Middle English meten, from Old English metan (“to measure, mete out, mark off, compare, estimate; pass over, traverse”), from Proto-West Germanic *metan, from Proto-Germanic *metaną (“to measure”), from Proto-Indo-European *med- (“to measure, consider”).
Origin 2: Cognate with Scots mete (“to measure”), Saterland Frisian meete (“to measure”), West Frisian mjitte (“to measure”), Dutch meten (“to measure”), German messen (“to measure”), Swedish mäta (“to measure”), Latin modus (“limit, measure, target”), Ancient Greek μεδίμνος (medímnos, “measure, bushel”), Ancient Greek μέδεσθαι (médesthai, “care for”), Old Armenian միտ (mit, “mind”).
Origin 3: From Middle English mete, from Old French mete (“boundary, boundary marker”), from Latin mēta (“post, goal, marker”). Cognate with the second element in Old English wullmod (“distaff”).
Origin 4: From Middle English mete, imete, from Old English mǣte, ġemǣte (“moderate, suitable”). More at meet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mete
Is mete a verb or a noun?
Mete is mainly used as a verb, but it can also be used as a noun and an adjective.
What is the plural of mete?
The plural of mete is metes.
What is the past tense of mete?
The past tense of mete is meted. The present participle is meting.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of mete?
The comparative form is more mete and the superlative form is most mete.