Vocabulary Spotlight
Calibre
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: The quality or level of ability of a person or thing; also, the internal diameter of a gun barrel (alternative spelling of “caliber”).
“They were looking for engineers of the highest calibre to join the project.”
Pronunciation
[kal-uh-ber]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Standard
Merit
Ability
Capacity
Antonyms
Inadequacy
Low standard
Mediocrity
Deficiency
Related Words
Standard (noun)
Gauge (noun)
Word Origin
“Calibre” comes from the Arabic word “qalib,” meaning “mold” or “model.” It was adapted into Latin as “caliber” and into English in the 16th century to refer both to the size of a firearm’s barrel and to the quality or character of a person or object. The spelling “calibre” is chiefly British.
Word Family
Noun: Calibre – Level of ability or quality.
Alternative Noun: Caliber – Primarily used in American English with the same meaning.
Related Noun: Capacity – The potential ability or standard one can achieve.
Mnemonics
Character And Level Indicate Business Results Exceptionally
This mnemonic reminds us that calibre is a measure of quality or ability.
Industry-specific Usage
Military
In military contexts, calibre refers to the diameter of a weapon’s barrel, which affects range, power, and impact.
Human Resources
In HR, high-calibre candidates are sought for roles requiring specific expertise and exceptional skills.
Engineering
In engineering, the calibre of materials or components refers to their quality and durability, essential for project success.
In Context
In education, students of high calibre are those who excel in academics, extracurriculars, and character.
In sports, athletes of high calibre are highly skilled and perform exceptionally in their field.
In music, a musician’s calibre is often assessed by their technical skill, artistry, and ability to inspire audiences.