en English es español fr française it italiano de deutsche ja 日本語 pl polski cs česky sv svenska tr Türkçe nl Nederlands

Fine-tuning the meaning: "adjust" vs. "calibrate"

Reviewed and edited by Lloyd Cooper 10/11/2024, 18:02
English.me team member
Adjust and calibrate. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both words refer to making changes to something to achieve a desired outcome or function. They involve modification or fine-tuning.

What is different?

Adjust is a broader term that can refer to any minor change to make something more suitable or correct. Calibrate is more technical and specific, often used in scientific or technical contexts to mean setting or tuning something to a standard or reference point.

Which one is more common?

Internet search results for adjust) and calibrate

Examples of usage

Adjust
  • I need to adjust the seat to be more comfortable.
  • She adjusted the volume on the radio.
  • The company adjusted its sales strategy after the market analysis.
Calibrate
  • The technician will calibrate the measuring instrument.
  • It's important to calibrate the equipment before use.
  • He calibrated the scale to ensure accurate weight measurements.

Recommended posts in Difference

Enticing parallels: "tantalize" vs. "tempt"

Enticing parallels: "tantalize" vs. "tempt"

The word "tantalize" implies prolonged teasing or provoking with something ... Learn more →

"Proscribe" vs. "prohibit": words that govern limits

"Proscribe" vs. "prohibit": words that govern limits

"Proscribe" often implies banning something officially or condemning it, with ... Learn more →

Beyond boundaries: an exploration of "expedition" vs. "journey"

Beyond boundaries: an exploration of "expedition" vs. "journey"

Expedition often implies a purpose like exploration or research, while ... Learn more →

Exploring the boundary: "fortress" vs. "fortification"

Exploring the boundary: "fortress" vs. "fortification"

"Fortress" typically refers to a large, fortified building or complex, ... Learn more →