Scientific Measurement Vocabulary

adverb approximately is an adverb that is used to indicate an estimated or rough amount or number.

preposition It can also act as a preposition when used to show an estimated position or direction.

• The project is expected to be completed in approximately six months.
• I'll be there in approximately 10 minutes.
• I've been waiting for approximately forever.
• Her patience was wearing thin, she was approximately ready to explode.

verb to adjust or mark (a measuring instrument) so that it can be used to measure accurately

• The scientist needed to calibrate the equipment before conducting the experiment.
• Make sure you calibrate the scale before weighing anything.
• I gotta calibrate my phone so it stops acting up.
• It's important to calibrate your expectations to avoid disappointment.

noun An approximate calculation or judgment of the value, number, quantity, or extent of something

verb To roughly calculate or judge the value, number, quantity, or extent of something

• The project manager provided a detailed estimate of the costs involved.
• I tried to estimate how much time it would take to finish the assignment.
• I can only give you a rough estimate of how many people will show up to the party.
• She could only estimate the depth of his emotions towards her.

adjective too small or insignificant to be valued or appreciated

• The difference in quality between the two products was inappreciable.
• I could barely notice the inappreciable change in temperature.
• The impact of that decision was so inappreciable, it was like a drop in the ocean.
• Her contribution to the project may seem inappreciable now, but it will be recognized in the future.

noun a mathematical value or figure representing a quantity

verb not applicable

adjective not applicable

adverb not applicable

pronoun not applicable

preposition not applicable

conjunction not applicable

interjection not applicable

article not applicable

• The numbers on the financial report indicate a positive trend in sales.
• Can you check the numbers on the spreadsheet to make sure they add up?
• I'm not good with numbers, so I struggle with math homework.
• In the grand scheme of things, we are just numbers in the population.

adjective describing a number or relating to numbers

• The report includes a detailed analysis of the numeric data collected from the survey.
• I need to double-check the numeric values in the spreadsheet before submitting it.
• I'm not great with numbers, so I struggle with numeric calculations sometimes.
• The numeric value of her kindness cannot be measured in mere numbers.

verb to determine or express the quantity of something

adjective describing something that has been measured or expressed in terms of quantity

• The data analyst quantified the impact of the new marketing campaign on sales.
• I tried to quantify how much money I spent on groceries last month.
• She tried to put a number on how much she loves him, but it can't be quantified.
• The artist's talent cannot be quantified by mere numbers.

noun a word that can be used to refer to a person or thing that is known or unknown

• The scientist used a high-quality recording instrument to measure the precise temperature of the liquid.
• I borrowed my friend's recording instrument to capture the live performance.
• I need to grab my recording instrument before we head to the studio.
• Her memory works like a recording instrument, capturing every detail of the event.

adverb relatively is an adverb that is used to describe something in comparison to something else, indicating a moderate or reasonable degree of something

• The company's profits have been relatively stable over the past few quarters.
• I think the new restaurant is relatively good, we should try it out sometime.
• She's relatively chill, you'll get along with her just fine.
• His success in the competition was relatively a walk in the park compared to the challenges he faced before.

verb to carefully adjust or set to a standard value or measure

• The equipment needs to be carefully calibrated before conducting any experiments.
• Make sure to calibrate the machine before using it.
• I'll tweak the settings to get it calibrated just right.
• Her sense of balance is perfectly calibrated, allowing her to navigate any situation with ease.