Quantify: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when you need to express something in numerical terms or determine the quantity of something.

• The researchers needed to quantify the amount of time spent on each activity
• It's hard to quantify the impact of social media on teenagers

Used to determine the size, amount, or degree of something, often using specific instruments or standard units.

• You need to measure the length of the room before buying the carpet
• Scientists measure the temperature changes to understand global warming

Best used when determining the value, significance, or extent of something, often through careful analysis and consideration.

• The teacher will assess the students' progress at the end of the term
• We need to assess the damage caused by the storm

Ideal in situations where mathematical operations are performed to obtain a result, such as sums, differences or probabilities.

• She needs to calculate the total cost of the groceries
• The engineer calculated the load-bearing capacity of the bridge

Suitable when making a judgment about the value, quality, or importance of something, often based on criteria and standards.

• The committee will evaluate the proposals before making a decision
• It's essential to evaluate the performance of new employees

Used when you need to specify the exact amount or value of something. It typically appears in scientific, technical, or formal contexts.

• Scientists were able to quantify the levels of pollution in the river.
• We need to quantify our progress to determine if we're meeting our goals.

Combines 'guess' and 'estimate' and is used in informal situations where an approximate value is determined based on limited information. It can have a slightly negative connotation, implying a lack of precision.

• Their timeline is just a guesstimate; it could change.

Useful when you need to give a general idea or a rough estimate, usually because exact values are not available or necessary.

• The approximate population of the town is around 5,000 people.
• The approximate distance between the two cities is 120 miles.

Often used when you're measuring or assessing the size, amount, or extent of something, particularly in a less formal context.

• We can gauge public opinion by conducting a survey.
• It's hard to gauge how much progress has been made without more information.

Used when drawing a conclusion based on evidence and reasoning rather than direct observation. Often appears in more formal or analytical contexts.

• From the data, we can infer that the new policy has been beneficial.
• He inferred from her tone that she was upset.

Used when measuring or expressing the amount of something in numerical terms.

• We need to quantify the impact of the new policy.
• It is hard to quantify the benefits of this approach.

Used when expressing ideas or thoughts in a clear and fluent manner, often verbally.

• She was able to articulate her vision for the project clearly.
• It's important to articulate your concerns during the meeting.

Used when expressing something formally or officially, often in written form.

• Please state your name and address.
• The report states that the project will be completed by the end of the year.

Used when providing the precise meaning or description of something.

• Can you define what you mean by 'success'?
• The manual helps to define all the technical terms.

Used when giving a general description or summary of something without going into detail.

• I will outline the main points of the proposal.
• The agenda outlines the structure of the meeting.