qualitatively
UK[ˈkwɒl.ɪ.tə.tɪv.li]US[ˈkwɑː.lə.teɪ.t̬ɪv.li]
adv
In a way that relates to or involves the quality or character of something, rather than its quantity or amount.
adv
In a way that is based on general qualities or forms, without precise measurement.
Morpheme Breakdown
qual
itative
ly
qual
of what kind
itative
adjective suffix
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
The word 'qualitatively' is built upon the core Latin root qualis, meaning "of what kind" or "of such a kind," which itself relates to the interrogative qui (who). The suffix -itativus was added in Medieval Latin to form adjectives denoting a possessing or relating to a quality. The final Old English adverbial suffix -ly then transforms the adjective into its modern grammatical function. Thus, the term's journey encapsulates a shift from a simple question about nature ("of what kind?") to a sophisticated methodological descriptor for analysis based on inherent characteristics rather than numerical measure.
Analysis
Structure: qual (of what kind) + itative (adjective suffix) + ly (adverb suffix)
qual is from Latin qualis (of what kind, of such a kind). itative is a complex adjective-forming suffix from Latin -itativus, indicating a relational or derived quality. ly is from Old English -līce, an adverb-forming suffix.
Examples
The two products differ qualitatively, not just in price.
The researcher analyzed the interview data qualitatively to identify common themes.
His experience of the event was qualitatively different from hearing about it second-hand.