French Conversation · Level 67
60 words
French word
calibre
Pronunciation
IPA/kalibʁ/
Meaning
- masculine nouncaliber
Example
Quel est le calibre de ce pistolet ?
What is the caliber of this pistol?
More examples
Cette équipe est de calibre supérieur.
This team is of a higher caliber.
Core concept
A precise size marker that extends naturally from a weapon's bore to a person's level or an action's quality.
Common phrases
de calibre supérieur
of a higher caliber
de calibre moyen
of average caliber
Similar words
diamètre: The distance across a circle or cylinder through its center.
mesure: A value that represents the quantity of something.
Definition in French
Mesure, souvent numérique, du diamètre d'une arme, d'un canon ou d'une munition ; au sens figuré, norme servant à évaluer la portée, la capacité ou la qualité d'une personne ou d'une action.
Word origin
The word entered French through Italian calibro and ultimately traces back to Arabic qālib, a mold or form that determines shape and size.
Usage tips
- In figurative use, de gros calibre describes a person or action of high standing, not simply a physically large object.
Opposites
- médiocritémediocritynoun