Word
Definition
n. a unit that shows how pure gold is. You see 24 karats for pure gold, and lower numbers mean other metals are mixed in.
n. a unit of fineness for gold, with 24 representing pure gold. Often appears with a numeral directly before it, as in '18-karat gold', and spelled 'karat' to distinguish gold purity from gemstone weight.
Examples
“This ring has 18 karats of pure gold.”
“She checks the stamp inside the bracelet to confirm it is 14 karat gold before buying it.”
“The jeweller explained that higher karat means softer gold, so 24-karat pieces scratch more easily than durable 14-karat alloys.”
Examples
simple
“This ring has 18 karats of pure gold.”
contextual
“She checks the stamp inside the bracelet to confirm it is 14 karat gold before buying it.”
complex
“The jeweller explained that higher karat means softer gold, so 24-karat pieces scratch more easily than durable 14-karat alloys.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “karat” in context.
Verb
01. check karat
“Always check the karat before you buy gold jewellery.”
verb + noun
02. express in karats
“Purity is expressed in karats from 9 to 24.”
verb + prep + noun
03. indicate karat
“The small number on the clasp indicates the karat.”
verb + noun
04. karat indicates
“The karat indicates how pure the gold is.”
noun + verb
Adjective
05. 18 karat
“My wedding ring is 18 karat gold mixed with copper.”
number + noun
06. 24 karat
“This bracelet is 24 karat, so it is pure gold.”
number + noun
07. high karat
“High karat gold is softer and has a deeper yellow colour.”
adj + noun
08. low karat
“Low karat gold is harder and better for everyday rings.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. karat gold
“She bought a pair of 22 karat gold earrings.”
noun + noun
10. karat mark
“Look for the karat mark on the inside of the band.”
noun + noun
11. karat system
“The karat system uses 24 as pure gold.”
noun + noun
12. check the karat before buying
“You should check the karat before buying.”
Usage
Used with numerals; as a modifier, hyphenated before a noun ('18-karat gold'). Spelled 'karat' for gold, 'carat' for gemstone weight.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/karat
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0