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Calibrate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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calibrate

[ˈkælɪˌbreɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

measurement

Adjust (an instrument) to a standard value.

Synonyms

adjust, fine-tune, standardize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In science, calibrating instruments is crucial for accurate readings, like ensuring a thermometer shows the right temperature.
  • Astronomers calibrate telescopes to ensure they accurately measure stars and planets, which can be millions of miles away.

Technology

  • In technology, calibrating a screen ensures colors appear correctly, which is important for graphic designers.
  • Calibration is a regular practice in factories to ensure machines produce items that meet quality standards.

Psychology

  • In personal development, 'calibrating' oneself can mean adjusting expectations or behaviors to align with goals.
  • People often calibrate social interactions by reading body language to respond appropriately in conversations.

Pop Culture

  • In the film 'Interstellar', calibrating the spacecraft is critical to navigating through space and time.
  • Video games often feature calibration settings for players to adjust sensitivity and controls to improve their experience.

Origin of 'calibrate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'calibratus' meaning 'to measure' or 'to adjust'.
  • It originally referred to the process of measuring the capacity of a container, like a flask.

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.