Qualities Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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qualities

[หˆkwษ’lษชtiz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

personal traits

Qualities refer to the characteristics or attributes of a person, thing, or concept that define their nature or essence. These traits can be positive or negative and are often used to evaluate or describe someone or something.

Synonyms

attributes, characteristics, traits.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
qualities

Used to describe good or positive features or aspects of a person, place, or thing.

  • Her honesty and kindness are her best qualities.
  • The natural qualities of this material make it perfect for building.
attributes

Often used in a more formal or technical setting to denote inherent properties of an object, person, or concept.

  • Leadership and communication skills are key attributes for a manager.
  • The softwareโ€™s most impressive attribute is its speed.
characteristics

Typically used to describe distinguishable features that help to identify or categorize something or someone.

  • One of the main characteristics of a good teacher is patience.
  • Its unique characteristics make this animal easy to identify.
traits

Often used in a psychological or genetic context to talk about specific qualities or features, particularly those that can be inherited or learned.

  • Generosity is one of her strongest traits.
  • Certain personality traits are believed to be influenced by genetics.

Examples of usage

  • Her kindness is one of her best qualities.
  • The painting had many unique qualities that made it stand out.
Context #2 | Noun

distinguishing features

Qualities can also refer to the distinguishing features or properties that set something apart from others. These can be physical, emotional, or intellectual characteristics that make something unique or special.

Synonyms

attributes, features, properties.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
qualities

Used to describe inherent characteristics of someone or something, often highlighting positive traits.

  • Her leadership qualities made her an excellent team captain
  • The wine's qualities were praised by the connoisseur
features

Emphasizes distinctive parts or elements of something, often used in the context of products, technology, or physical descriptions.

  • The new smartphone has several innovative features
  • Her most striking feature is her bright green eyes
properties

Usually pertains to the characteristics of materials, substances, or technical aspects, commonly used in scientific and technical discussions.

  • The material's waterproof properties make it ideal for outdoor use
  • The chemical properties of the substance were analyzed in the lab
attributes

Refers to specific aspects or characteristics ascribed to someone or something, often in more formal or technical contexts.

  • One of the main attributes of a good teacher is patience
  • The product's attributes include durability and efficiency

Examples of usage

  • The quality of the material used in the dress was excellent.
  • The song had a timeless quality that touched everyone who heard it.
Context #3 | Noun

high standard

Qualities can also refer to a high standard of excellence or superiority. This can be in terms of performance, craftsmanship, or value, indicating that something is of superior quality.

Synonyms

excellence, high standard, superiority.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
qualities

Used to describe attributes or characteristics of a person, object, or concept.

  • She has many admirable qualities, such as kindness and integrity
  • The qualities of this material make it perfect for outdoor use
excellence

Refers to the state of being exceptionally good or outstanding in a particular area.

  • The school is known for its academic excellence
  • His dedication to excellence in every project is remarkable
superiority

Implies being better than others in a certain way, often used in competitive or comparative contexts. Can have a negative connotation of arrogance if used to describe people.

  • The superiority of this technology is evident in its efficiency
  • He often speaks with a sense of superiority, which can be off-putting
high standard

Often used to talk about expectations or criteria that are considerably above average.

  • The restaurant maintains a high standard of cleanliness
  • She sets a high standard for her work that others strive to meet

Examples of usage

  • This product is known for its exceptional quality.
  • She always strives for quality in everything she does.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • Philosophers like Aristotle discussed qualities in terms of potential and actualization, influencing modern thought.
  • In philosophy, the distinction between essential and accidental qualities helps identify what makes something fundamentally 'it'.
  • The exploration of qualities has impacted discussions in metaphysics and ethics, relating to how we perceive reality.

Psychology

  • In psychology, qualities like resilience or empathy are seen as vital for personal development and social interactions.
  • Human qualities can be measured by various assessments, showcasing strengths and areas for growth.
  • The concept of multiple intelligences suggests that people possess unique qualities in different areas, such as logic or creativity.

Art & Literature

  • Writers often highlight characters' qualities to create depth and relatability in their stories.
  • In art, color, form, and texture can be considered qualities that contribute to the overall message of a piece.
  • Literary themes sometimes revolve around contrasting qualities, such as good vs. evil, to explore moral complexities.

Science

  • In science, qualities are used to describe the characteristics of materials, such as hardness and elasticity.
  • The qualities of a substance can determine its behavior under certain conditions, essential in fields like materials science.
  • Climate scientists study the qualities of ecosystems to understand biodiversity and environmental impacts.

Origin of 'qualities'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Qualities' comes from the Latin word 'qualitas', meaning 'nature' or 'character'.
  • The Latin root is derived from 'qualis', which means 'of what kind'. This shows how qualities define a thing's kind.
  • The concept has been used for centuries to categorize both physical objects and personal traits.

The word 'qualities' originated from the Middle English word 'qualite', which came from the Old French 'qualitรฉ', and ultimately from the Latin 'qualitas'. The concept of qualities has been central to philosophy and psychology, with thinkers like Aristotle and Immanuel Kant exploring the nature of qualities and their role in defining reality and experience.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,672, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.