calibrate

/ˈkælɪbreɪt/ (bre, ipa) · [kˈæləbrˌet] /ˈkælɪbreɪt/ (ame, ipa) · [kˈæləbrˌet] /ˈka-lə-ˌbrāt How to pronounce calibrate (audio)/ (ame, mw)

calibrate — verb

  • calibratepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • calibrateshe / she / it
  • calibratedpast simple
  • calibrating-ing form

1. to add or set the measurement marks on a tool so its readings match exact units.

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to add or set the measurement marks on a tool so its readings match exact units.

例句

Isabela calibrated the new thermometer before the science fair opened.

calibrate + instrument before use

The factory calibrated each kitchen scale with marks for grams and ounces.

mark units on a scale

同義詞
  • mark

    broader and simpler; calibrate means placing marks at exact measured intervals

  • graduate

    technical term often used for marking a measuring scale

文法句型

calibrate + instrument

calibrate + scale

用法筆記

The object is usually a measuring tool or one of its scales. This sense focuses on putting the unit marks in the right places, often when a device is first made or prepared.

常見錯誤

❌The teacher calibrated the poster with a ruler.
✅The teacher marked the poster with a ruler.
💡calibrate is used for adding measured scale marks to a tool, not for ordinary drawing.

2. to test a measuring device and adjust it so it gives correct results.

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to test a measuring device and adjust it so it gives correct results.

例句

Christopher calibrated the oven sensor after the bread kept burning.

calibrate after readings drift

The lab team calibrated the machine against a standard weight every Monday.

calibrate + against + standard

同義詞
  • adjust

    broader everyday word; calibrate specifically aims at measurement accuracy

  • standardize

    more formal; often stresses matching an accepted standard

  • fine-tune

    less technical and often used for improving performance, not only measurement

文法句型

calibrate + instrument

calibrate + instrument + against + standard

用法筆記

This sense is about checking a device against a trusted result or standard. It often appears when an instrument has drifted, has been moved, or needs regular maintenance.

常見錯誤

❌Please calibrate the answer before you send it.
✅Please check the answer before you send it.
💡calibrate is used for instruments or settings, not for ordinary ideas or messages.