1560s, "degree of merit or importance," a figurative use from Middle French calibre (late 15c.), apparently ultimately from Arabic qalib "a mold for casting." Arabic also used the word in the sense "mold for casting bullets," which is the oldest literal meaning in English. Meaning "inside diameter of a gun barrel" is attested from 1580s. Barnhart remarks that Spanish calibre, Italian calibro "appear too late to act as intermediate forms" between the Arabic word and the French.
雙語例句
1. They ought to win with players of such high caliber.
他們選手的能力這樣高,應該獲勝.
來自《簡明英漢詞典》
2. There is no other player even remotely approaching her caliber.
就才干而言,其他選手遠遠趕不上她.
來自《簡明英漢詞典》
3. We are always trying to improve the caliber of our schools.
我們一直在想方設法提高我們學校的水平.
來自《簡明英漢詞典》
4. There are few workers left of her caliber.
像她那種工作人員剩下的不多了.
來自《簡明英漢詞典》
5. The quality of his character and the caliber of his accomplishments produced a lasting influence.