qualify

[kwol-uh-fahy]

verb (used with object)

qualified, qualifying 

1. to provide with proper or necessary skills, knowledge, credentials, etc.; make competent.

   to qualify oneself for a job.

   Synonyms: equip, prepare, adapt, suit, fit

2. to modify or limit in some way; make less strong or positive.

   to qualify an endorsement.

   Synonyms: restrict, narrow

3. Grammar.,  to modify.

4. to make less violent, severe, or unpleasant; moderate; mitigate.

   Synonyms: diminish, reduce, temper, soften, ameliorate

5. to attribute some quality or qualities to; characterize, call, or name.

   She cannot qualify his attitude as either rational or irrational.

   Synonyms: designate, label

6. to modify or alter the flavor or strength of.

   He qualified his coffee with a few drops of brandy.

7. Law.,  to certify as legally competent.

verb (used without object)

qualified, qualifying 

1. to be fitted or competent for something.

2. to get authority, license, power, etc., as by fulfilling required conditions, taking an oath, etc.

3. Sports.,  to demonstrate the required ability in an initial or preliminary contest.

   He qualified in the trials.

4. to fire a rifle or pistol on a target range for a score high enough to achieve a rating of marksman, sharpshooter, or expert.

5. Military.,  to pass a practical test in gunnery.

6. Law.,  to perform the actions necessary to acquire legal power or capacity.

   By filing a bond and taking an oath he qualified as executor.

qualify

/ ˈkwɒlɪˌfaɪ, -ˌkeɪ-, ˈkwɒlɪfɪkətərɪ /

verb

1. to provide or be provided with the abilities or attributes necessary for a task, office, duty, etc

   his degree qualifies him for the job

   he qualifies for the job, but would he do it well?

2. (tr) to make less strong, harsh, or violent; moderate or restrict

3. (tr) to modify or change the strength or flavour of

4. (tr) grammar another word for modify

5. (tr) to attribute a quality to; characterize

6. (intr) to progress to the final stages of a competition, as by winning preliminary contests

Other Word Forms

• qualificatory adjective
• qualifiable adjective
• qualifyingly adverb
• misqualify verb
• nonqualifying adjective
• overqualify verb
• prequalify verb
• requalify verb
• superqualify verb
• unqualifying adjective
• unqualifyingly adverb
• unrequalified adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of qualify¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Medieval Latin quālificāre, from Latin quāl(is) “of what sort” + -ificāre -ify

Word History and Origins

Origin of qualify¹

C16: from Old French qualifier, from Medieval Latin quālificāre to characterize, from Latin quālis of what kind + facere to make

Synonym Study

See modify.

Example Sentences

United have so far managed their busy schedule well, winning their two opening WSL games and progressing though four qualifying matches in Europe.

From BBC

"This team qualified earlier in the year and we showed a lot of heart," Boulter said.

From BBC

Morgan Lake, who improved her British high jump record by clearing two metres for the first time in August, safely qualified for her final with a clearance at 1.92m.

From BBC

They also teed up arguments against Paxton’s claim that O’Rourke’s fundraising qualifies as a violation of the state’s consumer protection law.

From Salon

California law enforcement agencies are required by state law to make annual reports on the acquisition and use of weapons that qualify as military equipment.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• certify 
• enable 
• entitle 
• meet 
• pass 
• ready 
• score 
• train