carat: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, technical
Quick answer
What does “carat” mean?
A unit of weight for precious stones and pearls, equal to 200 milligrams.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A unit of weight for precious stones and pearls, equal to 200 milligrams.
A measure of the purity of gold, with pure gold being 24 carats.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'carat' is standard in both varieties for both meanings. In American English, 'karat' (with a K) is sometimes used specifically for gold purity, but 'carat' remains correct and common.
Connotations
Identical connotations of value, precision, and luxury in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK English due to historical associations with the diamond trade and hallmarking.
Grammar
How to Use “carat” in a Sentence
[number]-carat [noun]weigh [number] caratsbe [number] carats [adjective]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “carat” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She inherited an 18-carat gold bracelet.
- It was a carat-specific valuation.
American English
- He bought a 14-karat gold chain.
- The report included carat-weight analysis.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in jewellery retail, mining reports, and luxury goods marketing.
Academic
Found in geology, materials science, and history texts discussing precious materials.
Everyday
Common when discussing jewellery purchases, engagements, or heirlooms.
Technical
Precise measurement in gemology and metallurgy.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “carat”
- Confusing 'carat' (weight/purity) with 'caret' (proofreading symbol ^) or 'carrot' (vegetable).
- Using 'carat' as a general synonym for 'size' rather than a specific unit.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In modern usage, 'carat' refers to both gem weight and gold purity. 'Karat' (spelled with a K) is an alternative spelling used primarily in American English for the gold purity meaning only.
The carat system for gold purity is based on parts per 24. So 24-carat gold is 24/24 parts gold, or 100% pure. 18-carat gold is 18/24 parts gold, or 75% pure.
No. Carat is a measure of weight, not physical dimensions. A 2-carat diamond will be heavier, but its visible size depends on its cut and shape; it will not necessarily appear twice as large.
No, 'carat' is only a noun (as in 'a one-carat stone') or part of a compound adjective (as in '24-carat gold'). It does not have standard verb forms.
A unit of weight for precious stones and pearls, equal to 200 milligrams.
Carat is usually formal, technical in register.
Carat: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkær.ət/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈker.ət/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “24-carat fool (British, informal: a complete fool)”
- “not worth a carat”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A CARAT is for a CARAT (like a carrot) of gold or a diamond. Both are valuable and weighed carefully.
Conceptual Metaphor
PURITY IS WEIGHT / VALUE IS MEASURABLE
Practice
Quiz
What does '18-carat' describe about a metal?