quality
/ˈkwɒlɪti/
When referring to standard or excellence, it suggests a benchmark of value. It is often used in commercial or professional contexts to distinguish between 'premium' and 'budget' options. While "excellence" is an absolute peak, "quality" is frequently viewed as a measurable scale. As a characteristic, it refers to the inherent nature of a person or thing. This usage is neutral; a quality can be positive (like kindness) or negative (like cruelty), though in common conversation, it often leans toward a virtue. In its adjective form, it acts as a shorthand for "high-quality." This is common in marketing and advertising to imply luxury, durability, or superior craftsmanship without needing further qualification.
Uncountable when discussing the overall grade or excellence of a product ('The quality is superb'). Countable when referring to specific personality traits or characteristics someone possesses ('Honesty is a rare quality').
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Meanings
The standard of something as measured against other things of a similar kind; the degree of excellence of something.
"The company is known for the high quality of its craftsmanship."
A distinctive attribute or characteristic possessed by someone or something.
"Patience is a quality that every teacher should possess."
Examples
The company is known for the high quality of its craftsmanship.
Patience is a quality that every teacher should possess.
They provide a quality service to all their clients.
Collocations & Compounds
high quality
Of a very high standard or excellence.
quality control
A system for maintaining standards in manufactured products.
quality time
Time spent giving someone full attention to strengthen a relationship.
leadership qualities
Characteristics that make someone an effective leader.
quality assurance
The maintenance of a desired level of quality in a service or product.
Idioms & Sayings
quality over quantity
The belief that the excellence of a few items is more important than having a large number of inferior ones.
a quality of mercy
A characteristic of compassion or forgiveness, often referencing Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice'.
Etymology
Derived from the Old French 'qualité', which originates from the Latin 'qualitas' ('of what kind'), from 'qualis' ('of what sort'), rooted in the Proto-Indo-European base kwel- ('how'). It entered Middle English in the 14th century, initially referring to a property or characteristic before evolving to denote a degree of excellence.