qualitative

/ˌˈkwɑləˌˈteɪdɪv/

/ˈkwɒlɪteɪtɪv/

Anything that's qualitative has to do with the characteristics or features of something, rather than its quantity. If you prefer A Wrinkle in Time to another book with the same number of pages, that's a qualitative preference.

Qualitative shows up in scientific writing to clarify that the quality of something is being assessed, not its size or quantity. Scientists often contrast qualitative analysis or data with quantitative facts, information that can actually be measured. Qualitative properties of your house include its coziness and its cheerful color scheme. Among its quantitative aspects are its monetary value and its precise square footage.

Definitions of qualitative

1. adjective

   involving distinctions based on qualities
   “qualitative change”

   “qualitative data”

   “qualitative analysis determines the chemical constituents of a substance or mixture”

   synonyms:

   soft

   using evidence not readily amenable to experimental verification or refutation

   antonyms:

   quantitative

   expressible as a quantity or relating to or susceptible of measurement

   decimal, denary

   numbered or proceeding by tens; based on ten

   duodecimal

   based on twelve

   numeric, numerical

   measured or expressed in numbers

   quantifiable

   capable of being quantified

   three-figure

   (of numbers) written with three figures

   valued

   (usually used in combination) having value of a specified kind

   vicenary

   of or relating to or based on 20
2. adjective

   relating to or involving comparisons based on qualities