secondary quality: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, academic, technical
Quick answer
What does “secondary quality” mean?
A property of an object that is not inherent to the object itself but arises from its interaction with a perceiver's senses, such as colour, sound, taste, or smell.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A property of an object that is not inherent to the object itself but arises from its interaction with a perceiver's senses, such as colour, sound, taste, or smell.
A characteristic, feature, or aspect of something that is considered less important, derivative, or non-essential compared to its primary or fundamental qualities.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. The philosophical term is used identically. In general figurative use, both varieties employ it similarly.
Connotations
In both varieties, the philosophical connotation is neutral/academic. In figurative use, it can carry a slightly negative connotation of being unimportant or derivative.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech in both varieties. Higher frequency in academic/philosophical discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “secondary quality” in a Sentence
[Something] has/possesses [a secondary quality][A secondary quality] of [something]to regard/treat [something] as (a) secondary qualityVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically in strategic discussions: 'Brand loyalty is a primary quality of our success; social media presence is a secondary quality.'
Academic
Common in philosophy, psychology, and critical theory to discuss perception, objectivity, and properties of objects.
Everyday
Very rare. If used, it's metaphorical: 'For me, a car's colour is just a secondary quality; reliability is primary.'
Technical
Precise use in philosophy following Locke's distinction. Also in quality management, though less common, to denote a non-critical product attribute.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “secondary quality”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “secondary quality”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “secondary quality”
- Using 'secondary quality' to mean 'poor quality' (correct term: 'inferior/second-rate quality').
- Using it as a countable noun without an article in singular form: 'It is secondary quality.' (Correct: 'It is a secondary quality.')
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, not at all. 'Secondary quality' is a philosophical term about the nature of properties (dependent on perception), not an assessment of value. 'Poor quality' or 'inferior quality' would be used for something badly made.
Yes, but it's relatively rare and formal. It is used metaphorically to label any characteristic considered less important or derivative compared to a 'primary quality' in any domain (e.g., business, art, personal attributes).
Primary qualities (like mass, extension, shape) are thought to be inherent to the object and independent of an observer. Secondary qualities (like colour, taste, smell) are thought to be produced by the object's primary qualities interacting with our sensory apparatus.
It is a low-frequency term, almost exclusively found in academic, philosophical, or very formal descriptive writing. It is not part of everyday conversational vocabulary.
A property of an object that is not inherent to the object itself but arises from its interaction with a perceiver's senses, such as colour, sound, taste, or smell.
Secondary quality is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Secondary quality: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛk(ə)nd(ə)ri ˈkwɒləti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛkənˌdɛri ˈkwɑːləti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A secondary quality at best”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'SECOND-ary' = comes second in importance. Or remember John Locke's SECRET: Secondary qualities are what you perCEive with your senses (sight, sound, etc.).
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPORTANCE IS PRIMARY/SECONDARY (A hierarchy of attributes). OBJECTIVITY IS SOLID / SUBJECTIVITY IS FLEETING (contrasting primary qualities as solid with secondary as fleeting sensations).
Practice
Quiz
In a modern business context, which of the following is most likely to be described as a 'secondary quality' of a product?