barometer

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "barometer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a device used to measure atmospheric pressure, or to refer to something that is used to measure and indicate the general level or trend of something (e.g., public opinion, changing economic conditions). Example: The barometer of public opinion shows that most people are in favor of the new policy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But serious limitations in data collection mean that the report serves as a barometer and not a comprehensive overview.

The Guardian

Speak to most teenagers about how they consume music and they'll tell you it's via YouTube, which means the charts – traditionally the barometer of teen taste – don't completely take account of the people who listen to the most new music.

The Guardian - Music

Kraków, the European Cultural Capital in 2000, was ranked just 30th out of 46 European cities on Saffron brand consultants' 2008 European city brand "barometer" [pdf], tied with Cardiff and Chişinău, the capital of Moldova.

The Guardian

However, he's scathing about capitalism as the universal barometer of success: "We don't go to a nun and say that her life has been a failure because she didn't create world peace; instead, she prayed in a room for 50 years.

The Guardian - Music

The arrest and trial of Pussy Riot was seen as a barometer of the direction in which Russia under Putin is moving.

The Guardian

More than any other genre, horror acts as a barometer on exterior fears.

The Guardian - Film

The resulting "brand barometer" is eye-opening: did anyone expect LA to beat New York or London?

The Guardian

They will go a long way in providing a critical barometer to see if Labour has reversed a trend that since the independence referendum of last September has consistently shown the party being all but wiped out in Scotland.

The Guardian

Evaluation of counselling services by students, through local and national studies, such as the national student barometer survey, show very high levels of satisfaction rates of above 90%.

The Guardian

The annual participation survey for Adult Learners' Week has proved a reliable barometer of trends in adult learning over the past 20 years.

The Guardian

Our Guardian Cities global city brand barometer certainly saw the pressure rise in the comments thread.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "barometer" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly links to the concept of measurement or indication, avoiding ambiguity in the analogy.

Common error

Avoid using "barometer" when a general "indicator" would suffice. "Barometer" implies a level of precision and quantification that might be misleading if the measurement is subjective or imprecise.

Linguistic Context

The noun "barometer" primarily functions as a technical term for a device measuring atmospheric pressure. Metaphorically, as confirmed by Ludwig, it denotes something indicative of prevailing conditions or sentiments, acting as an indicator.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

26%

Science

26%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "barometer" functions both as a technical noun referring to an instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure, and metaphorically as an indicator of prevailing conditions or sentiments. Ludwig confirms its proper usage across various contexts. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science, suggesting a broad applicability while maintaining a sense of scientific objectivity. While general terms as "indicator", "gauge", or "measure" could be used instead depending on the context, it's essential to ensure that when using "barometer" the context clearly links to a concept of measurement to ensure clarity. As Ludwig's examples show, the correct usage of "barometer" adds precision and insight to writing, making it a valuable term in both technical and figurative contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indicator

Implies a sign or measure that something exists or is happening, differing from "barometer" by being a more general term without specific instrumental connotations.

gauge

Refers to an instrument or device for measuring the magnitude, amount, or contents of something, often implying a less formal or precise measurement than "barometer".

trend indicator

Focuses specifically on showing the direction in which something is moving, whereas "barometer" provides a broader snapshot of current conditions.

measure

A standard unit or system used to quantify extent, quantity, amount, or degree, differing from "barometer" by being a broader term encompassing both physical and abstract quantification.

gauge of sentiment

Specifically refers to measuring feelings or opinions, whereas "barometer" can apply to various kinds of measurements beyond sentiment.

yardstick

Suggests a standard or criterion by which something is measured or judged, differing from "barometer" by referring to a conceptual, rather than physical, measuring device.

litmus test

Refers to a decisive indicator or test, differing from "barometer" by implying a pass/fail outcome rather than a graduated measurement.

index

A sign or measure, often numerical, of the state or level of something, differing from "barometer" by being more explicitly quantitative and often composite.

bellwether

An indicator of future trends, setting itself apart from "barometer" by focusing on prediction rather than present measurement.

thermometer

A device for measuring temperature, highlighting a specific type of measurement in contrast to the broader applicability of "barometer".

FAQs

How can "barometer" be used metaphorically in writing?

Figuratively, "barometer" indicates something that reflects prevailing conditions or trends, such as "public opinion as a barometer of social change".

What is the difference between a "thermometer" and a "barometer"?

A "thermometer" measures temperature, while a "barometer" measures atmospheric pressure. Metaphorically, a "thermometer" might indicate intensity, whereas a "barometer" indicates overall conditions.

What can I say instead of "barometer" when describing a general indicator?

Consider using alternatives such as "indicator", "gauge", or "measure" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "barometer" to describe something subjective like "mood"?

Yes, you can use "barometer" to describe subjective states like "mood", but ensure the context implies a quantifiable or measurable aspect, such as "her enthusiasm was a barometer of the team's morale".