Qualify — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈkwä-lə-ˌfī/ qual·i·fy

Meaning & Definition of Qualify

Qualify (verb)

  1. to reduce from a general to a particular or restricted form, modify
  2. to make less harsh or strict, moderate
  3. to alter the strength or flavor of

Qualify (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to limit the meaning of (as a noun)

    "qualifying the noun adventure in the title of your story with a descriptive adjective would make it more attention-grabbing"

    similar: modify
    related: alter, color, distort, misrepresent, misstate, pervert, twist, warp, narrow
    near: broaden, expand, widen

  2. to make competent (as by training, skill, or ability) for a particular office or function

    "raising five children has qualified her to be an advice columnist on parenting"

    similar: equip, fit, prepare, ready, season, train
    related: accustom, adapt, adjust, condition, groom, habituate, shape, tailor, authorize, entitle, empower, enable, educate, indoctrinate, instruct, school, teach, tutor

  3. to give a right to

    "this coupon qualifies the bearer for an extra 15% off the discounted price"

    similar: authorize, entitle, privilege
    related: empower, enable, enfranchise, license, approve, endorse, allow, let, permit, accredit, certificate, certify, charter (British), ratify, legitimize, sanction, validate, warrant, reaccredit, reapprove, recertify, recharter, revalidate
    opposite: disqualify
    near: disable, disempower, disenfranchise, decertify, disallow, forbid, proscribe, delegitimize, invalidate, nullify

  4. to give official or legal power to

    "passing the state bar exam will qualify you to practice law"

    similar: accredit, authorize, certify, charter (British), commission, empower, enable, invest, license, vest, warrant
    related: approve, clear, credential, endorse, OK, sanction, affirm, confirm, validate, inaugurate, induct, initiate, install, instate, swear in, allow, let, permit, enfranchise, entitle, privilege
    opposite: disqualify
    near: ban, bar, block, constrain, deny, disallow, disbar, discourage, disenfranchise, disfranchise, exclude, hinder, hold back, impede, inhibit, obstruct, prevent, shut out, stop, enjoin, forbid, interdict, outlaw, prohibit, proscribe, veto

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Qualify

The most common words with a similar meaning to Qualify:

British: charter
modify, equip, fit, prepare, ready, season, train, authorize, entitle, privilege, accredit, certify, commission, empower, enable, invest, license, vest, warrant

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Qualify

Words with the opposite meaning of Qualify:

disqualify

Related Words for Qualify

alter, color, distort, misrepresent, misstate, pervert, twist, warp, narrow, accustom, adapt, adjust, condition, groom, habituate, shape, tailor, educate, indoctrinate, instruct, school, teach, tutor, enfranchise, approve, endorse, allow, let, permit, certificate

Near Antonyms of Qualify

broaden, expand, widen, disable, disempower, disenfranchise, decertify, disallow, forbid, proscribe, delegitimize, invalidate, nullify, ban, bar, block, constrain, deny, disbar, discourage, disfranchise, exclude, hinder, hold back, impede, inhibit, obstruct, prevent, shut out, stop

Word Forms of Qualify

Inflections: qualified, qualifying

Origin & Etymology of Qualify

Middle French qualifier, from Medieval Latin qualificare, from Latin qualis

First known use: 1533t

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Qualify

Words & Phrases Containing Qualify

prequalify

Frequently Asked Questions about Qualify

What does "Qualify" mean?

"Qualify" means to reduce from a general to a particular or restricted form, modify. As a verb, it is defined as: to reduce from a general to a particular or restricted form, modify. It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Qualify"?

Other words for "Qualify" include modify, equip, fit, prepare, ready, season, train and authorize. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Qualify" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Qualify"?

There are 70 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Qualify". Common alternatives include modify, equip, fit, prepare, ready, season, train, authorize, entitle and privilege.

What is the opposite of "Qualify"?

Antonyms of "Qualify" include disqualify. Near antonyms include broaden, expand, widen and disable.

How do you use "Qualify" in a sentence?

Examples of "Qualify" in a sentence: "qualifying the noun adventure in the title of your story with a descriptive adjective would make it more attention-grabbing"; "raising five children has qualified her to be an advice columnist on parenting"; "this coupon qualifies the bearer for an extra 15% off the discounted price".

Is "Qualify" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Qualify" is a verb.

Is "Qualify" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B1-level word, "Qualify" is typical of Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS band 4.0–5.0, TOEFL iBT 42–71, PTE Academic 43–58, TOEIC Listening & Reading 550+.

How do you pronounce "Qualify"?

"Qualify" is pronounced /ˈkwä-lə-ˌfī/ and divided into syllables as qual·i·fy.