American English

How to pronounce qualitative

adjectiveB2

KWAHluhtaydihv

/ˈkʰwɑ.ləˌteɪ.ɾɪv/

4 syllables · Stress the first syllable.

Based on the qualities, characteristics, opinions, or descriptions of something, rather than on numbers or measurements.

Meanings & examples

adjectivetechnical

Based on the qualities, characteristics, opinions, or descriptions of something, rather than on numbers or measurements.

The study used qualitative research based on interviews.

We collected qualitative data about the customers’ experiences.

Good to know

Qualitative does not mean “high-quality.” It describes qualities or experiences instead of numbers.

Common phrases & grammar

qualitative research · qualitative data · qualitative analysis · qualitative assessment

qualitative + noun

qualitative data from + source

adjectiveless common

Involving a basic change in the nature or character of something, not just a change in its size or amount.

The new policy led to a qualitative change in public services.

There is a qualitative difference between the two designs.

Common phrases & grammar

qualitative change · qualitative difference

a qualitative change in + noun

a qualitative difference between + noun + and + noun