mete
UK: miːt | US: miːt
vt. to distribute or allot (often used with "out")
vt. to measure or apportion (archaic)
The word "mete" traces back to Old English metan, meaning "to measure." It shares roots with Germanic languages (e.g., Old Norse meta) and is linked to the Proto-Indo-European root med-, meaning "to take appropriate measures." Originally, it referred to physical measurement but evolved to include abstract distribution (e.g., justice or punishment). The modern usage often appears in the phrase "mete out," reflecting its enduring connection to allocation.
The judge will mete out a fair sentence.
Ancient rulers meted justice with strict laws.
She carefully meted the flour for the recipe.
The teacher meted praise equally among students.
The system metes rewards based on performance.