quality
n. · adj.-
1 level of excellence (n.) A2 Elementaryhow good or bad something is.
the standard of something as measured against other things of a similar kind; the degree of excellence of something.
ExampleThe quality of the food at this restaurant is always excellent.
ExampleThe manufacturer implemented rigorous testing protocols to ensure that the quality of the components remained consistent across all production batches.
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2 a characteristic (n.) B1 Intermediatea part of someone's personality or a feature of a thing.
a distinctive attribute or characteristic possessed by someone or something.
ExamplePatience is an important quality for a teacher to have.
ExampleOne essential quality of this specific alloy is its remarkable resistance to corrosion even when submerged in saltwater for extended periods.
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3 serious newspaper (n.) C1 Advanced British Englisha newspaper that reports on serious news rather than gossip.
a broadsheet newspaper that focuses on serious news and intellectual analysis rather than sensationalism.
ExampleHe prefers reading a quality like the Guardian instead of the tabloids.
ExampleThe decline in circulation for the qualities has forced many traditional editors to reconsider their digital subscription models.
- broadsheet
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4 high-grade (adj.) B1 Intermediate Informalvery good or well-made.
of high quality; excellent or superior in standard.
ExampleThey spent a lot of money on quality furniture for their new home.
ExampleThe company is known for providing quality service that justifies its premium pricing in a highly competitive market.
From Middle English qualite, from Old French qualité, from Latin quālitās, quālitātem, from quālis (“of what kind”), from Proto-Indo-European *kʷo- (“who, how”). Cicero coined qualitas as a calque to translate the Ancient Greek word ποιότης (poiótēs, “quality”), coined by Plato from ποῖος (poîos, “of what nature, of what kind”).
- Verbqualify
- Nounquality
- Adjectivequalitative
- 01
quality over quantity
An idiom emphasizing the preference for high-quality items or experiences rather than a large number of them. It suggests that focusing on excellence and value is more desirable than simply accumulating more, regardless of its worth. This principle can be applied to various aspects of life, from material possessions to personal relationships and work.
- 02
the quality
The upper class, the high society, the gentry; the people of quality.