The phrase "meting out" means to dispense justice, punishment or rewards in a fair and measured manner. The spelling of "meting" is pronounced as /ˈmiːtɪŋ/, with a long "e" sound and a "t" in the middle. The "out" part of the phrase is pronounced as /aʊt/ with a vowel diphtong "au". When combined, the words form a phrase that is spelled as "meting out", where the "t" and "ing" sounds are carried over to the second word to create a seamless flow of sound.
"Meting out" is a phrasal verb that refers to the act of distributing or dispensing punishment, retribution, justice, or rewards. It involves the deliberate action of determining and assigning a specific measure or degree of something, often through an authoritative or official capacity.
In the context of punishment or retribution, meting out entails enforcing consequences or penalties for wrongdoing. It involves allocating a suitable punishment or disciplinary action for an offense committed, aiming to restore order or achieve justice. This can range from legal sentences in a courtroom to disciplinary actions taken by an authority figure in various settings such as schools, workplaces, or households.
Similarly, meting out justice is about impartially and fairly administering legal or moral judgments. This includes ensuring that individuals are held accountable for their actions, and victims or affected parties receive appropriate recognition, restitution, or compensation.
On the other hand, meting out rewards refers to the act of dispensing or distributing positive consequences, recognition, or benefits to individuals based on their merits, achievements, or contributions. It involves recognizing and awarding deserving individuals or entities with appropriate privileges, incentives, or accolades.
Overall, "meting out" involves the deliberate and controlled allocation of punishment, justice, or rewards, either as a result of an established system of rules and regulations or an evaluation of merit and deservingness.
The word "meting out" has its roots in Old English and Middle English. The verb "mete" in Old English meant "to allot" or "to measure". Over time, it evolved to mean "to distribute" or "to dispense". The addition of the preposition "out" emphasizes the action of distributing or dispensing something. Therefore, "meting out" refers to the act of measuring or distributing something, often referring to the administration of justice or punishment.