qualitative

American  

[kwol-i-tey-tiv] / ˈkwɒl ɪˌteɪ tɪv /

adjective

1. pertaining to or concerned with quality or qualities.

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qualitative British  

/ ˈkwɒlɪtətɪv, -ˌteɪ- /

adjective

1. involving or relating to distinctions based on quality or qualities Compare quantitative

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Other Word Forms

• nonqualitative adjective
• qualitatively adverb

Etymology

Origin of qualitative

First recorded in 1600–10; from Late Latin quālitātīvus, equivalent to quālitāt- (stem of quālitās ) quality + -īvus -ive

Example Sentences

Nawaz, who maintains her own “smile file,” says qualitative information is particularly important to track.

From The Wall Street Journal

But China’s military is quickly closing both quantitative and qualitative gaps—and has pulled ahead in some areas, such as hypersonic weapons.

From The Wall Street Journal

When it comes to their companies’ workforces, executives likely can only capture qualitative information assembled from perspectives and assessments by managers.

From MarketWatch

The transaction would erode Israel’s qualitative military edge.

From The Wall Street Journal

Suggested tools include qualitative observations, digital tracking, diary studies, and cross-cultural research.

From Science Daily