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Calibrate: meaning, definitions and examples

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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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

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

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.