centigrade: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2formal, scientific, technical
Quick answer
What does “centigrade” mean?
A scale for measuring temperature, originally from 0 degrees (freezing point of water) to 100 degrees (boiling point of water).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A scale for measuring temperature, originally from 0 degrees (freezing point of water) to 100 degrees (boiling point of water).
A unit of temperature (symbol: °C) within the Celsius scale, now the standard scientific and most common international temperature scale.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both UK and US formally use 'Celsius'. 'Centigrade' is considered an older, informal term in both, though it may be heard marginally more often in UK weather forecasts (e.g., 'temperatures in the low twenties centigrade'). The UK often drops the scale name entirely in casual speech (e.g., 'It's 20 degrees out').
Connotations
In scientific contexts, 'Celsius' is strongly preferred globally. 'Centigrade' can sound slightly dated or non-technical.
Frequency
Low in formal writing. Higher in informal spoken contexts, particularly among older speakers or in specific regional contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “centigrade” in a Sentence
NUM + degree(s) + centigradeNUM + centigradeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “centigrade” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The centigrade thermometer read exactly zero.
- Older cookbooks may list oven temperatures in centigrade.
American English
- The lab's centigrade scale was marked on the side of the vessel.
- He converted the Fahrenheit reading to its centigrade equivalent.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific industries like manufacturing or logistics where temperature specifications are given (e.g., 'Store at 15°C'). 'Celsius' is more common.
Academic
The term 'Celsius' is the formally adopted scientific term. Use of 'centigrade' in academic writing is discouraged.
Everyday
Used primarily in weather contexts by some speakers (e.g., 'The forecast is for 22 centigrade tomorrow'). Often simplified to just 'degrees'.
Technical
The SI-derived unit is 'degree Celsius' (°C). 'Centigrade' is deprecated in formal technical documentation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “centigrade”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “centigrade”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “centigrade”
- Incorrectly capitalizing it (e.g., 'Centigrade'). It is not a proper noun like 'Celsius'.
- Using 'centigrade' as a standalone noun without 'degree(s)' (e.g., 'It's 20 centigrade' is informal; 'It's 20 degrees centigrade' is standard).
- Confusing the symbol: °C stands for 'degree Celsius', not 'degree Centigrade', though informally they are equated.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, for all practical purposes they refer to the same temperature scale. However, 'Celsius' is the officially adopted international name, while 'centigrade' is a older, informal term.
To avoid confusion with the SI unit 'centi-' (meaning one hundredth) and to honour the Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius, who first proposed a similar scale. The change was formalised internationally in 1948.
You must say 'degrees centigrade' (or 'degrees Celsius'). Saying 'It's 20 centigrade' is informal and grammatically non-standard, though it may be understood.
The US primarily uses Fahrenheit for everyday purposes. In scientific, medical, or international contexts, Americans use 'Celsius'. The term 'centigrade' is understood but is considered old-fashioned or non-U.S.
A scale for measuring temperature, originally from 0 degrees (freezing point of water) to 100 degrees (boiling point of water).
Centigrade is usually formal, scientific, technical in register.
Centigrade: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛntɪɡreɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛn.tə.ɡreɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CENTIgrade: think of CENTImeter (1/100th of a meter) and GRADE (a step or degree). It's a scale divided into 100 grades or degrees between water's freezing and boiling points.
Conceptual Metaphor
TEMPERATURE IS A LADDER/SCALE (e.g., 'climbing to 30 degrees', 'dropping below zero').
Practice
Quiz
Which term is formally correct in modern scientific contexts?