How to Pronounce “calibrate”
Free audio in American, British, and Australian English.
▶ Hear it pronouncedIPA Transcription
- American (US)
- /ˈkæl.ɪ.bɹeɪ̯t/
- British (UK)
- /ˈkæl.ɪ.bɹeɪ̯t/
What “calibrate” means
verb — To check or adjust by comparison with a standard.
Pronunciation Notes
The final e is silent. The transcription /ˈkæl.ɪ.bɹeɪ̯t/ ends on a consonant sound, so the written e at the end of “calibrate” is not pronounced.
Where the stress falls. “calibrate” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈkæl.ɪ.bɹeɪ̯t/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "calibrate" mean?
calibrate (verb): To check or adjust by comparison with a standard.
How do you pronounce "calibrate" in American vs British English?
Both accents use the same sequence of phonemes for "calibrate", /ˈkæl.ɪ.bɹeɪ̯t/, so the difference you hear is in how the vowels are coloured rather than in which sounds are used. Play both on this page to compare.
What is the IPA transcription of "calibrate"?
/ˈkæl.ɪ.bɹeɪ̯t/ in American English, /ˈkæl.ɪ.bɹeɪ̯t/ in British English.
Which syllable is stressed in "calibrate"?
“calibrate” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈkæl.ɪ.bɹeɪ̯t/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.
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