barometer
Meaning: An instrument that measures atmospheric pressure, used in weather forecasting and to determine altitude. Figuratively, something that serves as an indicator of change or opinion.
Barometer is as common in its figurative sense as its literal one. Journalists and analysts routinely describe polls, indices, and economic indicators as barometers: a barometer of public opinion, a barometer of consumer confidence. The literal instrument comes in two types — mercury and aneroid — and has been a staple of British weather obsession since the 18th century. The figurative usage emphasises the instrument's role as a predictive gauge.
Examples
- The by-election result was widely seen as a barometer of public opinion ahead of the general election. 这次补选结果被广泛视为大选前公众舆论的晴雨表。El resultado de la elección parcial se interpretó ampliamente como un barómetro de la opinión pública de cara a las elecciones generales.この補欠選挙の結果は、総選挙を前にした世論のバロメーターとして広く捉えられた。이번 보궐선거 결과는 총선을 앞둔 여론의 바로미터로 널리 받아들여졌다.
- Falling readings on the barometer suggested that a period of unsettled weather was approaching. 气压计读数下降表明一段不稳定天气即将到来。Las lecturas descendentes del barómetro sugerían que se avecinaba un período de tiempo inestable.気圧計の示度の低下は、不安定な天候が近づいていることを示唆していた。기압계 수치의 하락은 불안정한 날씨가 다가오고 있음을 시사했다.
- Retail sales figures serve as a useful barometer of consumer confidence in the broader economy. 零售销售数据可作为衡量整体经济中消费者信心的有用晴雨表。Las cifras de ventas minoristas sirven como un barómetro útil de la confianza del consumidor en la economía en su conjunto.小売売上高は、より広い経済における消費者信頼感の有用なバロメーターとして機能する。소매 판매 수치는 보다 넓은 경제에서 소비자 신뢰도를 가늠하는 유용한 바로미터 역할을 한다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general, journalism, academic
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Greek baros (weight) + metron (measure). Coined by the scientist Robert Boyle in the 1660s, though the instrument itself was invented by Evangelista Torricelli in 1643.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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