quantitatively
UK[ˈkwɒntɪtətɪvli]US[ˈkwɑːntəteɪtɪvli]
adv
In a way that relates to, measures, or expresses the amount or number of something.
adv
In a way that uses or involves the use of numerical data and statistical methods.
Morpheme Breakdown
quant
itative
ly
quant
amount
itative
adjective suffix
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
The word 'quantitatively' is built upon the Latin root quantus, meaning 'how much' or 'how great,' which itself originates from the Proto-Indo-European interrogative stem kʷo-. This root passed into English through Medieval Latin quantitativus, meaning 'pertaining to quantity.' The suffix '-itative' evolved from Latin -itativus, forming adjectives that denote a relationship or pertaining to a quality. Finally, the Old English adverbial suffix '-ly' was appended, transforming the adjective into its current grammatical function. Thus, the term's literal construction—'in a manner pertaining to amount'—logically evolved into its modern abstract meaning of describing an approach based on measurable numerical data.
Analysis
Structure: quant (amount) + itative (adjective suffix) + ly (adverb suffix)
- quant: From Latin quantus (how much, how great). Serves as the core root denoting quantity or amount.
- itative: A complex adjectival suffix derived from Latin -itativus, via French -itatif, indicating a tendency, connection, or characteristic.
- ly: From Old English -līc (having the form or body of). A suffix forming adverbs from adjectives.
Examples
The results were analyzed quantitatively to ensure statistical significance.
She argued her point quantitatively, using charts and data rather than anecdotal evidence.
The study compares the two groups quantitatively rather than qualitatively.