Calibrate: meaning, definitions and examples

⚖️
Add to dictionary

calibrate

 

[ ˈkælɪˌbreɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

measurement

Adjust (an instrument) to a standard value.

Synonyms

adjust, fine-tune, standardize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
calibrate

Typically used in scientific or technical contexts when you're setting an instrument to ensure its measurements are accurate.

  • The technician needs to calibrate the thermometer before use.
  • Before launching, engineers must calibrate the satellite's sensors.
adjust

Common in everyday situations when making small changes to improve the function or fit of something.

  • She adjusted the office chair to make it more comfortable.
  • He adjusted the volume on the TV.
standardize

Often used in professional, educational, or industrial settings to ensure consistency and uniformity.

  • The company decided to standardize their processes across all branches.
  • Schools aim to standardize testing methods to fairly evaluate all students.
fine-tune

Used when making minor, precise adjustments to optimize performance or effectiveness, often in technical or creative fields.

  • The musician fine-tuned her guitar before the concert.
  • The software developer fine-tuned the algorithm for better performance.

Examples of usage

  • Make sure to calibrate the scale before weighing the ingredients.
  • The technician calibrated the machine to ensure accurate results.
  • After calibration, the device was ready for use.

Translations

Translations of the word "calibrate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 calibrar

🇮🇳 कैलिब्रेट करें

🇩🇪 kalibrieren

🇮🇩 kalibrasi

🇺🇦 калібрувати

🇵🇱 kalibrować

🇯🇵 校正する (こうせいする)

🇫🇷 étalonner

🇪🇸 calibrar

🇹🇷 kalibre etmek

🇰🇷 보정하다

🇸🇦 معايرة

🇨🇿 kalibrovat

🇸🇰 kalibrovať

🇨🇳 校准 (jiàozhǔn)

🇸🇮 kalibrirati

🇮🇸 stilla

🇰🇿 калибрлеу

🇬🇪 კალიბრაცია

🇦🇿 kalibrləmək

🇲🇽 calibrar

Etymology

The word 'calibrate' originated from the Latin word 'calibratus', past participle of 'calibrare', which means 'to balance' or 'to keep level'. The term has been used in the context of measurement and adjustment of instruments since the late 19th century.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,955, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.