qualities
HighFormal, Semi-formal, Informal (context-dependent)
Definition
Meaning
The essential and distinguishing characteristics, features, or attributes that define a person or thing.
Can refer to a standard of excellence, a trait or characteristic of a person or thing, or a specific attribute in a context (e.g., 'qualities of sound'). Also refers to people's inherent attributes of character.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Although plural in form, often used to refer to a collection or set of characteristics. Can be used both for intrinsic, inherent attributes and for required standards of performance or achievement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or semantic differences. Spelling differences apply to the singular 'quality' but not the plural.
Connotations
Similar in both variants. Can have slightly more formal connotations in some British contexts, especially when referring to personal character.
Frequency
Similar high frequency in both variants.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
possess [qualities]display/show [qualities]look for [qualities] inhave the [qualities] of[qualities] such asa person of [qualities]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “saving grace (redeeming quality)”
- “a man/woman of many parts (qualities)”
- “the quality of mercy is not strained (literary)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in recruitment and HR to list required competencies and personal attributes for a role (e.g., 'leadership qualities').
Academic
Used in analysis to describe the characteristics of a concept, material, or historical figure.
Everyday
Commonly used to describe someone's character traits, e.g., 'She has many good qualities.'
Technical
Used in fields like physics (qualities of a material), music (qualities of sound), or philosophy (qualities of being).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- This process qualities the steel for high-stress applications.
- The training programme qualities you for the advanced module.
American English
- This process qualifies the steel for high-stress applications.
- The training program qualifies you for the advanced module.
adverb
British English
- This leather is tanned quality. (archaic/rare)
- They performed quality. (non-standard/colloquial)
American English
- This leather is tanned quality. (archaic/rare)
- They performed quality. (non-standard/colloquial)
adjective
British English
- We need a quality assurance check.
- It was a quality piece of craftsmanship.
American English
- We need a quality-assurance check.
- It was a quality piece of craftsmanship.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Dogs have good qualities.
- My friend has nice qualities.
- She has many qualities.
- He has all the qualities of a good leader.
- Honesty and kindness are important qualities.
- We discussed the qualities of different materials.
- The job advertisement listed the essential personal qualities required for the role.
- His redeeming qualities made up for his occasional stubbornness.
- The critic analysed the aesthetic qualities of the painting.
- The candidate's strategic vision and interpersonal qualities set her apart from other applicants.
- The philosophical treatise explores the primary and secondary qualities of perceived objects.
- Despite its flaws, the novel possesses certain literary qualities that warrant serious study.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'QUALITY' + plural 'IES'. It's like a checklist of the 'qualities' you'd want in a quality person or product.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUALITIES ARE POSSESSIONS ('He possesses many fine qualities'), QUALITIES ARE INGREDIENTS ('a mixture of different qualities'), QUALITIES ARE A LIST ('a list of required qualities').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'качества' for temporary states or moods. In English, 'qualities' are more permanent attributes.
- Do not translate 'quality time' as 'качественное время'; it's idiomatic and means dedicated, focused time.
Common Mistakes
- Using a singular verb with the plural 'qualities' (e.g., 'His best qualities is...' is incorrect).
- Confusing 'qualities' with 'qualifications' (which are formal credentials).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely collocation with 'qualities'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While common for personal characteristics, it is also standard for describing the features or attributes of objects, materials, sounds, ideas, etc.
'Qualities' often refer to inherent or developed personal attributes (e.g., kindness, resilience). 'Skills' refer to learned abilities or proficiencies (e.g., coding, public speaking). A job might require both.
Yes. The singular 'quality' refers to a standard of excellence ('high quality') or one specific characteristic ('one quality he lacks is patience'). The plural 'qualities' refers to multiple characteristics.
Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in everyday speech. In more formal writing, synonyms like 'excellent', 'admirable', or 'positive' might be preferred.