Qualify
/ˈkwɒlɪfaɪ/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo have the necessary abilities, characteristics, or qualities to be considered for something; to meet the required standards.
/ˈkwɒlɪfaɪ/
To meet the necessary conditions or standards.
To qualify for a loan, you must meet specific income requirements.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying out for the school play. You have to sing a song to show you're good enough. If your singing is good enough, you QUALIFY for a part!
👶 For kids: To be good enough to do something. Like, if you're old enough to ride a bike, you qualify!
More Examples
Only those who qualify will receive the prize.
She worked hard to qualify for the national team.
How It's Used
"She qualified for the competition."
"He qualified as a doctor after completing his studies."
To limit or modify the meaning of a statement or assertion; to make less absolute; to add conditions or exceptions.
/ˈkwɒlɪfaɪ/
To state or express a condition or limitation.
I should qualify my enthusiasm by saying that the project is still in its early stages.
💡 Simply: Imagine you said something that was a little too strong. You add a little 'but' or 'except' to make sure people understand the whole story. You QUALIFY your original statement.
👶 For kids: To make sure what you said is the right amount true, not too much or too little. Like saying "I love ice cream, BUT only chocolate"!
More Examples
She qualified her answer, adding that she wasn't completely certain of the facts.
The evidence seemed conclusive, but the scientist qualified his conclusions.
How It's Used
"I would qualify my earlier statement by saying..."
"The researcher qualified his findings due to the small sample size."
To declare someone or something suitable for a role or purpose.
/ˈkwɒlɪfaɪ/
To declare a person suitable for something.
The board qualified him for the position.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're a judge deciding if a person is good enough to win a prize. If they meet all the rules, you QUALIFY them to win.
👶 For kids: To say someone is good enough to do something. Like the teacher says you can read at school!
More Examples
The judge qualified the suspect for release.
The referee qualified the goal after a review.
How It's Used
"The company qualified the applicant."
"The referee qualified the goal."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
qualify for
To meet the necessary requirements or criteria to be eligible for something.
"She qualifies for the scholarship."
From Latin *qualificare* ('to make of a certain quality'), from *qualis* ('of what kind') and *facere* ('to make'). It entered English in the 16th century.
The word 'qualify' has been used in English since the late 16th century, initially referring to making something or someone of a specific quality or character.
Memory tip
Imagine a checklist. If you tick all the boxes, you QUALIFY.
Word Origin
"of what kind, what sort"