quality
UK[ˈkwɒləti]US[ˈkwɑːləti]
n
The standard of something as measured against other things of a similar kind; the degree of excellence of something.
n
A distinctive attribute or characteristic possessed by someone or something.
Morpheme Breakdown
qual
ity
qual
of what kind
ity
state or condition
Etymology
The word 'quality' originates from the Latin qualitas, a term coined by the philosopher Cicero to translate the Greek philosophical concept poiotēs ("suchness"). Qualitas itself derives from qualis, meaning "of what kind," which is an interrogative and relative adjective. The suffix -itas was a productive Latin noun-forming suffix indicating a state or condition. Thus, the literal construction "state of being of a certain kind" evolved from a concrete philosophical term for an attribute into the modern abstract meanings pertaining to the degree of excellence or a distinctive characteristic.
Analysis
Structure: qual (of what kind) + ity (state or condition)
- qual: From Latin qualis meaning "of what kind, of such a kind". It functions as the core root conveying the sense of inherent nature or character.
- ity: A suffix of Latin origin (-itas), forming nouns that denote a state, condition, or quality. It functions to nominalize the root concept.
Examples
The company is committed to improving the quality of its customer service.
One of her best qualities is her patience.
They offer courses at both university and college level, but there is a difference in quality.