Inflected forms: pl. qual·i·ties 1a. An inherent or distinguishing characteristic; a property. b. A personal trait, especially a character trait: “The most vital quality a soldier can possess is self-confidence” (George S. Patton). 2. Essential character; nature: “The quality of mercy is not strain'd” (Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice IV.i.184) 3a. Superiority of kind: an intellect of unquestioned quality.b. Degree or grade of excellence: yard goods of low quality.4a. High social position. b. Those in a high social position. 5.Music Timbre, as determined by harmonics: a voice with a distinctive metallic quality.6.Linguistics The character of a vowel sound determined by the size and shape of the oral cavity and the amount of resonance with which the sound is produced. 7.Logic The positive or negative character of a proposition.
ADJECTIVE:
Having a high degree of excellence: the importance of quality health care.
ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English qualite, from Old French, from Latin qulits, qulitt-, from qulis, of what kind. See kwo- in Appendix I.
SYNONYMS:
quality, property, attribute, character, trait These nouns signify a feature that distinguishes or identifies someone or something: explained the qualities of noble gases; tested the resilient property of rubber; knew the attributes of a fine wine; liked the rural character of the ranch; had positive traits such as kindness and generosity.
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