secondary quality
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of secondary quality
First recorded in 1690–1700
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Color is a case of the former, a "secondary quality"; and extension a case of the latter, a "primary quality."
From The Approach to Philosophy by Perry, Ralph Barton
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
"Likeness is quite a secondary quality," said Aurelle condescendingly.
From General Bramble by Maurois, André
Because we know not the real constitutions of substances, on which each secondary quality particularly depends.
From An Essay Concerning Humane Understanding, Volume 2 MDCXC, Based on the 2nd Edition, Books 3 and 4 by Locke, John
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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
