qualitative
UK[ˈkwɒl.ɪ.tə.tɪv]US[ˈkwɑː.lə.teɪ.t̬ɪv]
adj
relating to the quality or standard of something rather than its quantity.
adj
(chemistry) relating to or involving the identification of the chemical constituents present in a substance.
Morpheme Breakdown
qual
itative
qual
of what kind
itative
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word 'qualitative' originates from the late latin term 'qualitativus', which itself is derived from the latin root 'qualitas' meaning 'quality'. 'Qualitas' stems from 'qualis', an interrogative and relative adjective meaning 'of what kind'. the suffix '-itativus' was used in medieval latin to form adjectives denoting a relationship or possession of a nature. thus, the literal construction "pertaining to the 'of what kind' nature" evolved into the modern abstract meaning, which distinguishes the character or essence of something from its measurable amount.
Analysis
Structure: qual (of what kind) + itative (adjective suffix)
qual (from latin 'qualis', meaning 'of what kind, of such a kind'), itative (a complex english adjective-forming suffix from latin '-itativus', indicating a relation or pertaining to).
Examples
the research made a qualitative assessment of the patient's wellbeing rather than just collecting numerical data.
there is a qualitative difference between these two brands of coffee, not just a difference in price.
a qualitative analysis revealed the presence of several unknown compounds in the sample.