Mete vs. Dole — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 18, 2024
Mete involves the distribution or allotment of justice or punishment, whereas dole typically refers to distributing charity or welfare benefits.
Difference Between Mete and Dole
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Mete is primarily associated with the allocation of justice or punishment in a measured and deliberate manner. Whereas, dole often pertains to the distribution of basic needs, like food or money, usually in the form of charity or governmental aid.
In historical contexts, to mete something out often implied a formal judgment or the enforcement of rules. On the other hand, to dole out suggests a more compassionate or need-based approach to distribution, focusing on humanitarian aid.
Mete suggests an element of earned retribution or deserved response, reflecting a balance or equivalence in justice. Conversely, dole is driven by need or poverty, aiming to alleviate hardship without a prerequisite of earning or deserving.
The verb "mete" is less commonly used in everyday language, carrying a somewhat archaic or formal tone. In contrast, "dole" is frequently used, especially in contexts discussing social welfare programs such as the dole queues during economic hardships.
Mete implies precision and calculation in the distribution, suggesting fairness and equity. Dole, however, often involves a more general and broad-based approach to distribution, which may not always be seen as perfectly equitable but is driven by urgency and necessity.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Allocation of justice/punishment
Distribution of charity/welfare
Usage context
Legal, formal
Social, humanitarian
Connotation
Precision, deservedness
Need, compassion
Frequency of usage
Less common, formal
More common, colloquial
Focus
Equity, retribution
Aid, alleviation of hardship
Compare with Definitions
Mete
To enforce laws or rules.
The community agreed to mete out fines for littering.
Dole
Offer in small portions.
He doled out the limited supplies to last the week.
Mete
Allocate justice or punishment.
The judge will mete out the sentence next week.
Dole
Provide government aid.
During the recession, unemployment benefits were doled out to thousands.
Mete
Dispense something deserved.
Destiny may mete out rewards or penalties alike.
Dole
Distribute charity or welfare benefits.
The organization doles out food to the needy every Saturday.
Mete
Measure and distribute.
Resources were meted carefully during the crisis.
Dole
Hand out portions of something.
The teacher doled out assignments at the end of the class.
Mete
Administer or distribute authoritatively.
He meted out tasks to his team members.
Dole
Administer relief in a crisis.
Volunteers doled out blankets and hot meals to the disaster survivors.
Mete
Mete is a common masculine Turkish given name. In Turkish, "Mete" means "brave", "galahad", "hero", "valiant", and/or "gallant".
Dole
The distribution by the government of relief payments to the unemployed.
Mete
To distribute or allot. Often used with out
Mete out justice.
Dole
A share of money, food, or clothing that has been charitably given
Increasing the monthly dole given to poor families.
Mete
(Archaic) To measure.
Dole
(Archaic) One's fate.
Mete
A boundary line; a limit.
Dole
Sorrow; grief; dolor.
Mete
To measure.
Dole
To give out, especially in portions or shares; allot or distribute. Often used with out
The mayor doled out jobs to those who had supported him in the election.
Mete
To dispense, measure (out), allot (especially punishment, reward etc.).
Dole
To distribute in small amounts; to share out small portions of a meager resource.
Mete
A boundary or other limit; a boundary-marker; mere.
Dole
Money or other goods given as charity.
Mete
Meat.
Dole
Distribution; dealing; apportionment.
Mete
Measure; limit; boundary; - used chiefly in the plural, and in the phrase metes and bounds.
Dole
(informal) Payment by the state to the unemployed; unemployment benefits.
I get my dole paid twice a week.
I've been on the dole for two years now.
Mete
To meet.
Dole
A boundary; a landmark.
Mete
To dream; also impersonally; as, me mette, I dreamed.
Dole
A void space left in tillage.
Mete
To find the quantity, dimensions, or capacity of, by any rule or standard; to measure.
Dole
(archaic) A Sorrow or grief; dolour.
Mete
To measure.
Dole
Dolus.
Mete
A line that indicates a boundary
Dole
Grief; sorrow; lamentation.
And she died.So that day there was dole in Astolat.
Dole
See Dolus.
Dole
Distribution; dealing; apportionment.
At her general dole,Each receives his ancient soul.
Dole
That which is dealt out; a part, share, or portion also, a scanty share or allowance.
Dole
Alms; charitable gratuity or portion.
So sure the dole, so ready at their call,They stood prepared to see the manna fall.
Heaven has in store a precious dole.
Dole
A boundary; a landmark.
Dole
A void space left in tillage.
Dole
To deal out in small portions; to distribute, as a dole; to deal out scantily or grudgingly.
The supercilious condescension with which even his reputed friends doled out their praises to him.
Dole
A share of money or food or clothing that has been charitably given
Dole
Money received from the state
Common Curiosities
What does "mete out" mean?
It means to distribute or administer something, especially punishment or justice.
Can "mete" be used for positive distributions?
Typically, mete is used more with punitive or justice-related contexts rather than positive rewards.
What is "dole" commonly associated with?
Dole is commonly associated with the distribution of welfare benefits or charity.
Is "dole" only related to government aid?
No, dole can refer to any act of portioning out goods, though it is often associated with government aid.
How are "mete" and "dole" used in legal contexts?
Mete is used in legal contexts related to justice and law enforcement, whereas dole isn’t typically used in legal contexts.
What is the origin of "mete"?
The word "mete" originates from Old English, meaning to measure.
Is "mete" considered archaic?
Yes, in modern usage, "mete" is somewhat archaic and formal.
How often is "dole" used compared to "mete"?
"Dole" is used more frequently and in more common speech compared to "mete."
Does "mete" have any synonyms?
Yes, synonyms for "mete" include dispense, administer, or allocate.
Where does the term "dole" come from?
"Dole" comes from Middle English, originally denoting a share or portion.
Can "dole" be used as a noun?
Yes, "dole" can be a noun, as in "on the dole," referring to receiving unemployment benefits.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
