What does calibrate mean?
Word: Calibrate
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: Calibrate means to check a measuring tool, such as a weighing scale or thermometer, and set it so that it gives the right reading.
Synonyms: set
How do you spell calibrate?
Syllables: cal - i - brate
Tricky part: Only one l: callibrate is a common slip because call has two. The start is a hard c, not a k.
Watch out for: callibrate, calibrait, kalibrate
Memory tip: Calibrate and calculator both begin with cal and a single l, and both are about getting numbers exactly right.
Calibrate in a sentence
Example 1: The shopkeeper had to calibrate his weighing scale before selling the sugar.
Example 2: Our science teacher showed us how to calibrate a thermometer in ice water.
Example 3: Engineers calibrate the speed meters on trains so drivers know their exact speed.
Fun Fact
In many countries, shop weighing scales must be calibrated and checked by inspectors, so that a kilo of sugar really is a kilo.
Practise the CREST Way
Spell-o-Spell
Choose the correctly spelt word:
a) calibrate
b) instroment
c) messure
d) acurate
Show answer
a) calibrate. Measure, instrument and accurate each have a slip, so calibrate is the only word spelt right.
Word Cookie
Insert the correct pair of letters to form a word:
cal_br_te
a) i, a
b) i, e
c) a, a
d) e, a
Show answer
a) i, a. The middle of calibrate is a short i, and the end rhymes with late but is spelt brate.
Word Connection
Choose the synonym of the word: calibrate
a) adjust
b) decorate
c) break
d) guess
Show answer
a) adjust. When you calibrate a scale, you adjust it until it reads correctly.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Why would a doctor calibrate a blood pressure machine?
a) so that its readings are correct
b) so that it works more quietly
c) so that its battery lasts longer
d) so that it is easier to carry
Show answer
a) so that its readings are correct
2. Which of these would need calibrating to work properly?
a) a bicycle seat
b) a ceiling fan
c) a school bag
d) a set of kitchen scales
Show answer
d) a set of kitchen scales
