1
Core quality
Relating to qualities, characteristics, meanings, or descriptions rather than numerical measurement.
Example
The interviews provided qualitative evidence about patient experiences.
qualitative
/ˈkwɒlɪtətɪv/ · KWOL-ih-tuh-tivadjective
Relating to qualities, characteristics, meanings, or descriptions rather than numerical measurement.
Use qualitative to express this relationship precisely: relating to qualities, characteristics, meanings, or descriptions rather than numerical measurement.
What qualitative Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
A qualitative analysis identified recurring themes.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
The study combines numerical data with qualitative observations.
Use qualitative Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The interviews provided qualitative evidence about patient experiences.
A qualitative analysis identified recurring themes.
The study combines numerical data with qualitative observations.
Precision Matters
Qualitative overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
qualitative
vs.Means relating to qualities, characteristics, meanings, or descriptions rather than numerical measurement.
quantifiable
Means able to be measured, counted, or expressed as a numerical amount.
qualitative
vs.Means relating to qualities, characteristics, meanings, or descriptions rather than numerical measurement.
empirical
Means based on observation, measurement, or experience rather than theory alone.
qualitative
vs.Means relating to qualities, characteristics, meanings, or descriptions rather than numerical measurement.
subjective
Means influenced by personal feelings, tastes, experiences, or opinions rather than wholly objective evidence.
qualitative
vs.Means relating to qualities, characteristics, meanings, or descriptions rather than numerical measurement.
objective
Means based on observable facts and not unduly influenced by personal feelings, preferences, or bias.
Test qualitative in Context
The analysis examines meanings and characteristics rather than numerical quantities.
1
Rather than counting responses, the researchers conducted a ___ analysis of the themes expressed in each interview.