quality
The standard of excellence; a characteristic feature.
Word facts
Definition
Quality refers to the standard or degree of excellence of something. A quality product or service meets or exceeds expectations. Quality can also refer to a characteristic or feature that something or someone has.
Usage: Quality as a noun means the standard (high quality work). Quality used as an adjective before a noun means high-standard (quality materials). The adjective use is informal.
Example sentences
- 1
The quality of her work consistently impressed her managers.
- 2
He has many admirable qualities, including patience and honesty.
- 3
We focus on quality rather than quantity.
Word family
From Latin qualitas ('nature, quality'), from qualis ('of what kind'). Quality answers the question: what kind of thing is this?
Quality comes from qualis — 'what kind'. Quality describes the kind of thing something is — good or bad, high or low.
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FAQ
Questions people ask
What is the difference between quality and quantity?
Quality refers to how good something is. Quantity refers to how much of it there is.
What does high-quality mean?
High-quality means meeting a very high standard of excellence.