jauger

to gauge

verb zhoh-ZHEH Rare

Origin: from Old French gauger, of Germanic origin, related to measuring vessels

Also means

to size up

Usage Note

Jauger literally means to measure the capacity of a container or vessel, as in gauging a cask (jauger un tonneau). Figuratively and very commonly, it means to assess or size up a person or situation (il me jaugeait du regard — he was sizing me up). The noun jauge (gauge, dipstick) is the base form and appears in automotive contexts for checking fuel or oil level.

Examples

"Elle le jaugeait en silence avant de lui répondre."

Natural Translation

She was sizing him up in silence before answering him.

Literal Translation

She him gauged in silence before to-him to-answer.

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