Are you confused about the terms centigrade and Celsius? You’re not alone. Many people use these terms interchangeably, but are they really the same thing? Let’s take a closer look.
Both centigrade and Celsius are units of measurement for temperature. However, Celsius is the proper term for this unit, while centigrade is a colloquial term that is no longer widely used.
So, what exactly do these terms mean? Celsius is a metric unit of temperature measurement named after the Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius. It is defined as the temperature at which water freezes at sea level, which is 0 degrees Celsius. The boiling point of water at sea level is 100 degrees Celsius.
Centigrade, on the other hand, is an older term that was once used to describe the same unit of measurement. It was based on a scale of 100 degrees between the freezing and boiling points of water, hence the name centigrade. However, in 1948, the International System of Units (SI) officially adopted Celsius as the standard unit of temperature measurement, and centigrade fell out of use.
Despite the fact that centigrade is no longer the proper term for this unit of measurement, it is still used by some people, particularly in the United States. This can lead to confusion, especially when it comes to scientific or technical applications that require precise measurements.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between centigrade and Celsius in more detail, and take a closer look at how these units of measurement are used in different contexts. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of the history and meaning behind these two terms, and be better equipped to use them correctly in your own work and daily life.
Define Centigrade
Centigrade is a temperature scale that is based on dividing the range between the freezing and boiling points of water into 100 equal degrees. It was originally proposed by the Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius in 1742 and was later renamed Celsius scale in honor of his contributions to the field of thermometry. The centigrade scale is commonly used in scientific and engineering applications, as well as in many countries around the world.
Define Celsius
Celsius is a temperature scale that is identical to the centigrade scale. It is named after the Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius, who first proposed the centigrade scale in 1742. The Celsius scale is based on dividing the range between the freezing and boiling points of water into 100 equal degrees, with zero degrees representing the freezing point of water and 100 degrees representing the boiling point of water. The Celsius scale is widely used in scientific and engineering applications, as well as in everyday life in many countries around the world.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to measuring temperature, the terms centigrade and Celsius are often used interchangeably. However, there is a subtle difference between the two that is important to understand. In this section, we will explore how to properly use these words in a sentence.
How To Use Centigrade In A Sentence
Centigrade is a term that was once commonly used to refer to the Celsius scale, which is a metric system for measuring temperature. However, the term centigrade has fallen out of use in recent years, and Celsius is now the preferred term. Despite this, there are still situations where you might need to use the term centigrade, such as when referring to historical temperature data or in certain scientific contexts.
When using centigrade in a sentence, it is important to remember that it is not a unit of measurement in and of itself, but rather a scale. Therefore, it should always be used in conjunction with a specific temperature value. For example:
- The temperature outside is 20 degrees centigrade.
- According to the historical record, the average temperature in this region during the summer months was around 25 degrees centigrade.
How To Use Celsius In A Sentence
Celsius is the preferred term for referring to the metric system for measuring temperature. It is named after the Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius, who developed the scale in the early 18th century. When using Celsius in a sentence, it is important to remember that it is always used in conjunction with a specific temperature value.
Here are some examples of how to use Celsius in a sentence:
- The temperature outside is 20 degrees Celsius.
- The boiling point of water is 100 degrees Celsius.
- The average temperature in this region during the summer months is around 25 degrees Celsius.
It is important to note that Celsius and centigrade are equivalent scales, meaning that one degree Celsius is equal to one degree centigrade. Therefore, it is technically correct to use either term when referring to the metric system for measuring temperature. However, as mentioned earlier, Celsius is now the preferred term.
More Examples Of Centigrade & Celsius Used In Sentences
In this section, we will explore more examples of how centigrade and celsius are used in sentences. Understanding the proper usage of these two terms is crucial for anyone working in the scientific and engineering fields.
Examples Of Using Centigrade In A Sentence
- The temperature outside is 25 degrees centigrade.
- Water boils at 100 degrees centigrade.
- The lab should be kept at 20 degrees centigrade.
- The freezer should be set to -18 degrees centigrade.
- Most medical thermometers measure temperature in centigrade.
- The optimal temperature for this chemical reaction is 50 degrees centigrade.
- The temperature in the greenhouse is maintained at 30 degrees centigrade.
- The melting point of iron is 1535 degrees centigrade.
- At 10 degrees centigrade, the viscosity of this liquid decreases.
- When baking, the oven should be preheated to 180 degrees centigrade.
Examples Of Using Celsius In A Sentence
- The temperature in the room is 23 degrees celsius.
- At -40 degrees celsius, water freezes instantly.
- The ideal temperature for storing red wine is between 16 and 18 degrees celsius.
- The boiling point of ethanol is 78 degrees celsius.
- The temperature in the lab must be kept below 25 degrees celsius.
- The melting point of copper is 1084 degrees celsius.
- At 37 degrees celsius, the human body is at its normal temperature.
- The temperature in the fridge should be set to 4 degrees celsius.
- The optimal temperature for this chemical reaction is 65 degrees celsius.
- The temperature in the oven should be set to 200 degrees celsius.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to measuring temperature, many people use the terms “centigrade” and “Celsius” interchangeably. However, this can lead to confusion and inaccuracies in temperature readings. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Mistake #1: Using “Centigrade” Instead Of “Celsius”
One of the most common mistakes is using “centigrade” instead of “Celsius”. While both terms refer to the same temperature scale, “centigrade” is an outdated term that is no longer used in scientific contexts. The correct term is “Celsius”, which is named after the Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius who first proposed the scale in 1742.
Mistake #2: Using The Wrong Temperature Conversion Formula
Another mistake is using the wrong formula to convert temperatures between Celsius and Fahrenheit. The correct formula to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit is:
| Celsius to Fahrenheit Conversion Formula |
|---|
| F = (C x 1.8) + 32 |
Conversely, the correct formula to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius is:
| Fahrenheit to Celsius Conversion Formula |
|---|
| C = (F – 32) / 1.8 |
Using the wrong formula can result in significant errors in temperature readings.
Mistake #3: Assuming That 0 Degrees Celsius Is The Same As 0 Degrees On Another Temperature Scale
Finally, another common mistake is assuming that 0 degrees Celsius is the same as 0 degrees on another temperature scale, such as Kelvin or Rankine. However, this is not the case. While 0 degrees Celsius is the freezing point of water at standard atmospheric pressure, 0 degrees on other temperature scales may have different meanings and values.
To avoid making these mistakes in the future, it’s important to use the correct terminology and formulas when measuring and converting temperatures. Always double-check your calculations and be aware of the differences between Celsius and other temperature scales.
Context Matters
The choice between centigrade and Celsius can depend on the context in which they are used. While both terms are used to measure temperature, the context in which they are used can determine which one is more appropriate.
Examples Of Different Contexts And How The Choice Between Centigrade And Celsius Might Change:
- Scientific Research: In scientific research, Celsius is the preferred unit of measurement. This is because it is part of the International System of Units (SI) and is used worldwide. It is also easier to convert between Celsius and Kelvin, another unit of temperature used in scientific research.
- Cooking: In cooking, both Celsius and Fahrenheit are commonly used. However, Celsius is more commonly used in Europe and other parts of the world, while Fahrenheit is more commonly used in the United States.
- Weather Forecasting: In weather forecasting, Celsius is the standard unit of measurement. This is because it is part of the International System of Units (SI) and is used worldwide. It is also easier to calculate temperature anomalies and trends using Celsius.
- Industrial Applications: In industrial applications, both Celsius and Fahrenheit are commonly used. However, Celsius is more commonly used in the metric system, while Fahrenheit is more commonly used in the imperial system.
Overall, the choice between centigrade and Celsius depends on the context in which they are used. While Celsius is the more commonly used unit of measurement worldwide, there are certain contexts where centigrade may be more appropriate.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the terms centigrade and Celsius are often used interchangeably, there are some exceptions to the rules for using these terms.
Exception 1: Negative Temperatures
One exception to the rules for using centigrade and Celsius is when referring to negative temperatures. While Celsius is the standard unit of measurement for temperature, centigrade is sometimes used to refer specifically to temperatures below zero. For example, a temperature of -10 degrees Celsius could also be referred to as -10 degrees centigrade.
Exception 2: Historical Context
In some historical contexts, the term centigrade may be used instead of Celsius. This is because the Celsius scale was originally called the centigrade scale when it was first introduced by Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius in 1742. In these cases, the terms centigrade and Celsius are used interchangeably to refer to the same temperature scale.
Exception 3: Local Vernacular
In some regions, the term centigrade is still commonly used instead of Celsius. For example, in India, the term centigrade is more commonly used than Celsius. Similarly, in some Spanish-speaking countries, the term centigrade is used instead of Celsius. In these cases, the terms centigrade and Celsius are used interchangeably to refer to the same temperature scale.
Exception 4: Scientific Research
In scientific research, the term Celsius is the standard unit of measurement for temperature. However, some scientific fields, such as meteorology and oceanography, may still use the term centigrade in some contexts. For example, air temperature is often measured in degrees Celsius, while sea temperature may be measured in degrees centigrade.
Exception 5: Local Regulations
In some countries, local regulations may require the use of one term over the other. For example, in the United States, the National Weather Service uses the term Celsius to report temperatures, while the Food and Drug Administration requires the use of centigrade for certain temperature measurements.
| Exception | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Negative Temperatures | Centigrade may be used to refer specifically to temperatures below zero. |
| Historical Context | Centigrade may be used instead of Celsius in some historical contexts. |
| Local Vernacular | Centigrade may be used instead of Celsius in some regions. |
| Scientific Research | Centigrade may be used in some scientific fields, such as meteorology and oceanography. |
| Local Regulations | Local regulations may require the use of one term over the other. |
Practice Exercises
To fully understand the difference between centigrade and Celsius, it is crucial to practice using them in various sentences. Here are some practice exercises that will help readers improve their understanding and use of these temperature scales:
Exercise 1: Converting Temperatures
Convert the following temperatures from Celsius to centigrade:
| Celsius | Centigrade |
|---|---|
| 25 | |
| 0 | |
| -10 |
Answer Key:
| Celsius | Centigrade |
|---|---|
| 25 | 77 |
| 0 | 32 |
| -10 | 14 |
Exercise 2: Using The Correct Term
Choose the correct term (centigrade or Celsius) to complete the following sentences:
- The temperature outside is 20 __________.
- Water freezes at 0 __________.
- The oven is set to 180 __________.
Answer Key:
- The temperature outside is 20 Celsius.
- Water freezes at 0 centigrade.
- The oven is set to 180 Celsius.
By practicing these exercises, readers can improve their understanding and use of centigrade and Celsius in various contexts.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between centigrade and Celsius, it is clear that the two terms are often used interchangeably, but they do have distinct meanings.
Centigrade is an older term that refers to a temperature scale with 100 degrees between the freezing and boiling points of water. Celsius, on the other hand, is the modern term for the same temperature scale, which was officially adopted by the International System of Units in 1948.
While both terms are widely recognized, it is important to use Celsius in scientific and academic contexts to ensure clarity and accuracy. Additionally, it is important to pay attention to proper capitalization and spelling when using these terms.
Key Takeaways
- Centigrade and Celsius are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings.
- Celsius is the modern term for the temperature scale with 100 degrees between the freezing and boiling points of water.
- Celsius should be used in scientific and academic contexts for clarity and accuracy.
- Proper capitalization and spelling are important when using these terms.
Overall, understanding the differences between centigrade and Celsius is just one small aspect of mastering the English language. We encourage readers to continue learning and exploring the nuances of grammar and language use to improve their communication skills and achieve their goals.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.