secondary quality

American  

noun

Epistemology.

1. one of the qualities attributed by the mind to an object perceived, such as color, temperature, or taste.

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Etymology

Origin of secondary quality

First recorded in 1690–1700

Example Sentences

There is no need of illustrations unless it be to call attention to a secondary quality less noticed, than those of more importance.

From Cowper by Smith, Goldwin

To be vivid is a secondary quality which must presuppose the first; for vividly to convey a wrong impression is only to make failure conspicuous.

From The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition Vol. 16 (of 25) by Stevenson, Robert Louis

It is in fact almost entirely in this secondary quality that their interest lies; their ostensible subject-matter is unimportant.

From Books and Characters French and English by Strachey, Giles Lytton

Reason, which gets so much vulgar glorification, is, after all, a secondary quality.

From Confessions and Criticisms by Hawthorne, Julian

Physical courage is, after all, but a secondary quality, and needs a sublime motive to make it thoroughly sublime.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 02, No. 13, November, 1858 by Various