# quantitative

/ˈkwɑntɪˌteɪtɪv/ (US) · /kwˈɒntɪtˌeɪtɪv/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/quantitative
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. based on numbers

adjective · CEFR B2 · Academic

describes information or research that uses numbers and measurements.

For teachers: relating to, measuring, or measured by the quantity of something rather than its quality.

- The researchers used a quantitative approach, collecting data from over a thousand surveys.
- The study provided quantitative evidence that the new policy had a measurable impact on local employment rates over the last decade.

### 2. chemical analysis

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

describes a test that measures exactly how much of a substance is in a sample.

For teachers: relating to chemical analysis that determines the precise amount or proportion of a constituent in a substance.

- The lab performed a quantitative analysis to find out how much sugar was in the drink.
- Quantitative analysis of the soil samples revealed high concentrations of heavy metals that had previously gone undetected by visual inspection.

## Examples

- The researchers collected quantitative data about the local population.
- The chemistry lab requires a quantitative analysis to determine the exact concentration of the solution.
- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.