Word
qualitative
Phoneticsqual·i·ta·tive, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkwɑɫəˌteɪtɪv/
UK/kwˈɒlɪtˌeɪtɪv/
Definitions
01based on quality
C1 · Advanced Academic
adj. describing how good something is or what it is like, rather than using numbers or measurements.
adj. relating to distinctions based on quality, character, or attribute rather than numerical measurement.
“The researchers conducted qualitative interviews to understand how the patients felt about the treatment.”
“The study relies on qualitative data gathered through open-ended surveys to capture the nuanced experiences of the participants.”
Usage
Often contrasted with 'quantitative' in research and statistics.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02identifying components
C1 · Advanced Science Technical
adj. used to find out what substances are in a mixture, not how much of them there is.
adj. relating to chemical analysis designed to identify the components of a substance or mixture.
“A qualitative test showed that the water contained traces of lead.”
“Qualitative inorganic analysis was employed to determine the presence of specific metal ions within the unknown solution.”
Usage
Commonly used in the phrase 'qualitative analysis'.
Synonyms
03high-quality
C2 · Proficiency Dialect
adj. describing something that is of very good quality.
adj. denoting high quality or excellence; used as a synonym for 'premium' or 'superior'.
“The school is known for providing qualitative education to all its students.”
“The government has promised to invest more in qualitative infrastructure projects across the region.”
Teaching tip
This sense is specific to Nigerian English; in other varieties, 'qualitative' is neutral and does not imply 'good'.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “qualitative” in context.
Adjective
01. qualitative challenge
“The shift from numerical data to subjective interviews presents a unique qualitative challenge for the research team.”
adj + noun
02. appreciation qualitative
03. arise qualitative
04. merit qualitative
Real-World Examples
“Her method, she says, was unorthodox, being qualitative, not quantitative.” “Qualitative research from March 2026 found that many scientists across disciplines view communicating uncertainty as a form of translation.” Etymology
From Late Latin (or Medieval Latin) quālitātīvus. Equivalent to quality + -ative.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domain
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/qualitative