qualitative

/ˈkwɒlɪtətɪv/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkwɑːlɪteɪtɪv/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkwä-lə-ˌtā-tiv/ (ame, mw)

qualitative — adjective

  • qualitativepositive
  • more qualitativecomparative
  • most qualitativesuperlative

1. Relating to evaluations that judge the standard or merit of something, rather th

1.形容詞B2
釋義

Relating to evaluations that judge the standard or merit of something, rather than measuring it in countable units.

例句

The research team used qualitative methods to explore how families cope with work pressure.

qualitative + methods for exploring opinions

Asher gave a qualitative opinion of the wine, describing its flavour rather than scoring it.

同義詞
  • evaluative

    more specific to assigning worth or value

  • subjective

    implies personal opinion rather than structured assessment

反義詞
  • quantitative

    relating to measurable amounts or numerical data

文法句型

qualitative + noun

用法筆記

Often contrasted with quantitative (which deals with amounts). Most common in academic and professional contexts where researchers examine opinions, experiences, or quality rather than counting data.

常見錯誤

❌The qualitative data showed 45% of users preferred the old version.
✅The qualitative data showed that most users described the old version as easier to navigate.
💡Qualitative describes non-numerical qualities, not countable amounts or percentages.

2. Relating to the characteristics, features, or nature of something or someone, fo

2.形容詞B2
釋義

Relating to the characteristics, features, or nature of something or someone, focusing on what type of thing it is rather than on measurable information.

例句

Reema described the qualitative features of the painting — its colours, shapes, and mood.

qualitative features describing nature/character

The company culture underwent a qualitative change after the merger with the smaller firm.

同義詞
  • descriptive

    focuses on describing rather than evaluating or measuring

  • characteristic

    highlights the typical or defining features of something

反義詞
  • quantitative

    relating to measurable amounts or numerical data

文法句型

qualitative + noun

用法筆記

Describes the essential nature or type of something, not its level of quality. Common in scientific writing and descriptive analysis where the focus is on categorisation rather than measurement.

常見錯誤

❌The qualitative difference is that the new model costs twice as much.
✅The qualitative difference is that the new model is made of solid wood, while the old one uses particleboard.
💡Cost is a quantitative difference; qualitative differences relate to type or material, not price.