verb

medir

measure

Comprobar la cantidad, tamaño o extensión de algo usando una unidad o instrumento.

Definition & meaning

Medir is a Spanish verb meaning to measure. Depending on context, it can also mean:

To find or state the size, length, amount, or duration of something: medir la altura — “to measure the height.”
To assess or gauge something: medir las consecuencias — “to weigh up the consequences.”
To compare one’s strength or ability with someone else’s, often with con: medirse con alguien — “to face or compete with someone.”
In poetry, to scan a line, counting its syllables and rhythmic pattern.

Grammar & Word origin

Medir is an irregular verb. In the present tense, its stem changes from e to i in most forms: mido ?, mides ?, mide [ ?](vocabuo://mide], medimos ?, medís ?, miden ?. The same stem change appears in forms such as midió ? and midiendo ?.

The verb comes from Latin metiri, “to measure.”

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms vary by meaning:

calcular ? — “to calculate”; emphasizes working out a value, often mathematically.
cuantificar ? — “to quantify”; emphasizes expressing something as a numerical amount.
evaluar ? — “to assess”; focuses more on judging quality or importance than on physical dimensions.
tomar las medidas ? — “to take measurements”; refers specifically to recording dimensions.

There is no single direct antonym for medir. The opposite depends on context; for example, ignorar ? (“to disregard”) can contrast with assessing something, but it is not a general antonym.