calibers
Translation
calibres, qualities, abilities
Examples
The museum displayed guns of various calibers.
The museum displayed guns of various calibres.
We hire people of the highest calibers.
We hire people of the highest calibres.
Grammar Patterns
((of various)) calibres of different sizes or types The museum displayed guns of various calibres.
((of the highest)) calibres of the best quality or ability We hire people of the highest calibres.
Similar Words
Synonyms: (quality) quality, ability, standard; (firearm) gauge, bore
Etymology
From Arabic 'qālib' (mould), via French. The sense of 'quality' developed metaphorically from the 'standard' or 'measure' of a firearm.
Memory Tips
Think of 'calibrating' something to measure its quality or 'calibre'. Note the '-re' spelling in British English.