Qualify - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT qualify /ˌkwɑləˈfaɪ/ /ˈkwɒlɪfaɪ/ IPA guide

Other forms: qualified; qualifying; qualifies

Make sure you know the context when using the word qualify. In one sense, it means to be right for, to measure up. In another sense, though, qualify means to change something slightly, to limit it or add a condition to it.

If you want to qualify for your driver's license, remember not to drive through that final stop sign without stopping. I guarantee you that if you don't stop you will not qualify. You don't just get your Eagle Badge. You have to qualify for it—there's a lot to do before you get it. The word might be used in its other sense like this: If you plan to get married, keep your vows simple: say "I do." Don't qualify them by saying something like "I do...except sometimes, when I don't." If you have to qualify your wedding vows, don't get married.

Definitions of qualify

verb prove capable or fit; meet requirements synonyms: measure up see moresee less type of: answer, do, serve, suffice be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity
verb make fit or prepared “Your education qualifies you for this job” synonyms: dispose see moresee less antonyms: disqualify make unfit or unsuitable types: habilitate qualify for teaching at a university in Europe capacitate make capable type of: groom, prepare, train educate for a future role or function
verb pronounce fit or able “She was qualified to run the marathon” see moresee less antonyms: disqualify declare unfit types: capacitate make legally capable or qualify in law type of: judge, label, pronounce pronounce judgment on
verb make more specific “qualify these remarks” synonyms: restrict see moresee less type of: modify make less severe or harsh or extreme
verb add a modifier to a constituent synonyms: modify see moresee less type of: add make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of
verb specify as a condition or requirement in a contract or agreement; make an express demand or provision in an agreement synonyms: condition, specify, stipulate stipulate give a guarantee or promise of see moresee less types: provide determine (what is to happen in certain contingencies), especially by including a proviso condition or stipulation type of: contract, undertake enter into a contractual arrangement
verb describe or portray the character or the qualities or peculiarities of synonyms: characterise, characterize see moresee less types: differentiate, distinguish, mark be a distinctive feature, attribute, or trait; sometimes in a very positive sense stamp reveal clearly as having a certain character characterise, characterize be characteristic of type of: remember, think of keep in mind for attention or consideration

Pronunciation US /ˌkwɑləˈfaɪ/ UK /ˈkwɒlɪfaɪ/ Cite this entry Style: MLA

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Vocabulary lists containing qualify

40 SAT words Beginning with "Q"

Find lists of SAT words organized by every letter of the alphabet here: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K & L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, and W, X, Y & Z.

Scrabble: Words that Begin with Q

Quentin quietly questioned Quinn's quirky quinoa quiche. Luckily, you don't have to question how to take advantage of the 10-point Q tile in Scrabble. You just need to study up on this quintessential list of Q words. Check out our other lists in the collection: High Scoring Words Two-Letter Words Four-Letter Words with 3 Vowels Words with 5 Vowels Words with no Vowels Words that Start with Q Words with Q without U Words that Start with X Palindromes

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