ENGLISH
REFERENCE

quantitative

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈkwɑntɪˌteɪtɪv// UK //kwˈɒntɪtˌeɪtɪv// quan·ti·ta·tive

adj. relating to things that you can measure with numbers and data. You use this when you are talking about the amount or size of something rather than its quality.

adj. relating to, measuring, or measured by the quantity of something rather than its quality. Often used to describe research or analysis that relies on statistical, mathematical, or computational techniques.


SIMPLE

The researchers collected quantitative data about the local population.

CONTEXTUAL

The chemistry lab requires a quantitative analysis to determine the exact concentration of the solution.

COMPLEX

While the qualitative interviews provided deep insight into patient experiences, the quantitative survey was necessary to establish whether these findings were representative of the broader population.

Antonyms
Origin

From Late Latin quantitātīvus. By surface analysis, quantity + -ative.

Usage

Typically placed before the noun it modifies; frequently contrasted with 'qualitative'.

Pitfall

a quantitative amount ofa large amount ofQuantitative describes the type of measurement or data, not the size of the amount itself.

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