quantify

/ˌkwɑntəˈfaɪ/

/ˈkwɒntɪfaɪ/

Other forms: quantified; quantifying; quantifies

When you quantify something, you're putting it in numbers. If you're asked to quantify the fingers on your hand, you better say five.

If you like math, this word is for you: quantifying is counting or expressing something in numbers. Oddly enough quantify often comes into play when people are trying to count things that can't really be counted. When a doctor asks you to rate your pain on a scale of 1 to 10, he's asking you to quantify for your pain. Michael Jordan won 6 NBA championships, but you can't quantify what made him great: his drive and determination.

Definitions of quantify

1. verb

   use as a quantifier
   type of:

   define, determine, fix, limit, set, specify

   decide upon or fix definitely
2. verb

   express as a number or measure or quantity
   “Can you quantify your results?”

   synonyms: measure

   types:

   gauge

   measure precisely and against a standard

   scale

   measure with or as if with scales

   meter

   measure with a meter

   pace, step

   measure (distances) by pacing

   clock, time

   measure the time or duration of an event or action or the person who performs an action in a certain period of time

   fathom, sound

   measure the depth of (a body of water) with a sounding line

   titrate

   measure by (the volume or concentration of solutions) by titration

   plumb

   measure the depth of something

   librate, weigh

   determine the weight of

   mistime

   time incorrectly

   heft

   test the weight of something by lifting it

   type of:

   carry, convey, express

   serve as a means for expressing something