caliber

[/ˈkælɪbər/]
nounmasculinepl: calibers
calibre
1. The diameter of a bullet or artillery shell
The rifle fires a .308 caliber bullet.
O rifle dispara uma bala de calibre .308.
2. The internal diameter of a gun barrel
The shotgun has a 12-caliber bore.
A espingarda tem um cano de calibre 12.
3. The degree or level of skill, ability, or quality
She is a musician of high caliber.
Ela é uma música de alto calibre.
4. A standard measure or scale
The quality of work was not of the expected caliber.
A qualidade do trabalho não estava no calibre esperado.
In both American and Brazilian contexts, 'caliber' is used metaphorically to assess professional competence, artistic ability, or moral character. In the USA, it has strong historical ties to firearms culture. In Brazil, the term is equally used in professional and academic settings to denote quality and excellence.
NYC Slang
cal or gauge (when referring to gun specifications); 'high caliber' = quality person or work
Synonyms / Sinônimos
qualitystandardgrademeritabilitydiameterbore
Antonyms / Antônimos
mediocrityinferiorityinadequacy

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
calibre
Standard term used for both weapon measurements and quality/ability levels
Rio de Janeiro
calibre
Common usage, often used in slang to describe someone's capability or worth
São Paulo
calibre
Frequently used in business contexts to denote professional quality or competence
Portugal
calibre
Spelling and usage identical to Brazil; common in both technical and figurative contexts

Related Words

ammunitionfirearmboreballisticsqualityexcellence

Related Idioms & Phrases

of high caliber - de alto calibre (referring to excellence)
of low caliber - de baixo calibre (referring to poor quality)
measure someone's caliber - avaliar o calibre de alguém
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