qualitative, a.
(ˈkwɒlɪtətɪv)
[ad. late L. quālitātīv-us (Cassiodorus): see quality and -ive. Cf. F. qualitatif, -ive (15th c.).]
a. Relating to, connected or concerned with, quality or qualities. Now usually in implied or expressed opposition to quantitative.
| 1607 Collins Serm. (1608) 5 Fourthly, qualitative, from the dispositions of the persons themselves. 1652 Gaule Magastrom. 49 What have the qualitative influxes of the planets..there to doe? a 1703 Burkitt On N.T. Rom. xii. 2 This conversion and renovation is not a substantial, but a qualitative change. 1881 Westcott & Hort Grk. N.T. II. 44 A numerical preponderance may have rightly to yield to a qualitative preponderance. |
b. Chem. qualitative analysis, identification of the constituents (as elements, ions, or functional groups, etc.) present in a substance. Cf. quantitative analysis s.v. quantitative a. 3 b.
| 1842 Parnell Chem. Anal. (1845) 2 An examination..which does not develope more than the nature or quality of the constituents, is termed a qualitative analysis. 1923 R. M. Caven Quantitative Chem. Anal. I. 19 Often the methods of qualitative analysis are available for the quantitative separation of metals in solution. 1953 E. C. Pigott Ferrous Anal. (ed. 2) 13 The spectrograph is reliable, not merely for the rapid identification of materials, but also for a preliminary qualitative analysis, including trace elements. 1956 Siggia & Stolten Introd. Mod. Org. Anal. iii. 51 In the classical scheme of organic qualitative analysis, the derivatives prepared were characterized by their melting points and the identification was complete when a satisfactory mixed melting point was obtained with the derivative of a known material. 1964 Cheronis & Ma Org. Functional Group Anal. i. 3 Qualitative organic analysis aims to identify one or more organic compounds present in an unknown. |
Hence ˈqualitatively adv., in respect of quality.
| 1681 J. Flavel Meth. Grace vi. 128 Faith may be considered qualitatively, as a saving grace. 1845 G. E. Day tr. Simon's Anim. Chem. I. 321 The composition of the blood is here qualitatively changed. 1862 H. Spencer First Princ. i. iv. §26 (1875) 90 In consciousness the Unlimited and the Indivisible are qualitatively distinct. |