What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
adjust
Example
I need to adjust the temperature on the oven to cook this dish properly. [adjust: verb]
Example
She had to adjust to the new school and make new friends. [adjust: verb]
Example
The mechanic adjusted the carburetor to improve the car's performance. [adjusted: past tense]
calibrate
Example
The technician calibrated the scale to ensure accurate measurements. [calibrated: past tense]
Example
We need to calibrate the microscope before we can use it for research. [calibrate: verb]
Example
The engineer calibrated the sensors to detect even the slightest changes in temperature. [calibrated: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Adjust is more commonly used than calibrate in everyday language. Adjust is a versatile word that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while calibrate is more technical and specific to certain fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between adjust and calibrate?
Calibrate is typically associated with a more formal and technical tone, while adjust can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
