calibre
/'kælibə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The internal diameter of a gun barrel or the diameter of a bullet or projectile: This is the primary technical meaning, referring to a specific measurement.
- The quality, standard, or ability of someone or something; degree of excellence or worth: This figurative meaning is commonly used to assess character, intellect, or performance.
Usage and Examples
Referring to diameter:
- The pistol has a .45 calibre barrel.
- These bullets are of a different calibre and will not fit the rifle.
Referring to quality or standard:
- We were impressed by the high calibre of the candidates.
- The conference attracts speakers of the highest calibre.
- His work is not of the required calibre for this publication.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- The term is often used in evaluative contexts to imply a ranking or comparative standard.
- The calibre of the scientific research was exceptional.
- It can describe the nature or capacity of a person's mind or character.
- He is a statesman of a different calibre altogether.
Variants and Related Words
- Caliber: The standard American English spelling of the word. The definitions are identical.
- Calibrate (verb): To mark or adjust a measuring instrument. This is related to the original measurement sense of 'calibre'.
- The technician will calibrate the scale for accuracy.
Synonyms
- For diameter: Bore, gauge, diameter.
- For quality: Quality, standard, grade, stature, merit, ability, capacity.
Idioms and Common Phrases
- Of high/low calibre: Used to directly describe the standard of something.
- The university produces graduates of the highest calibre.
- The argument was of a surprisingly low calibre.
- A person of (a certain) calibre: A set phrase describing someone's inherent quality or ability.
- We need a manager of her calibre to turn the department around.
Noun
- diameter of a tube or gun barrel
- a degree or grade of excellence or worth
- the quality of students has risen
- an executive of low caliber