quality

 
Pronunciation: /ˈkwɒlɪti/

noun (plural qualities)

  • 1 [mass noun] the standard of something as measured against other things of a similar kind; the degree of excellence of something: an improvement in product quality [count noun]: people today enjoy a better quality of life
  • general excellence of standard or level: a masterpiece for connoisseurs of quality
  • (usually qualities) Britishshort for quality paper
  • archaic high social standing: commanding the admiration of people of quality
  • [treated as plural] archaic people of high social standing: he’s dazed at being called on to speak before quality
  • 2a distinctive attribute or characteristic possessed by someone or something: he shows strong leadership qualities the plant’s aphrodisiac qualities
  • Phonetics the distinguishing characteristic or characteristics of a speech sound.
  • Astrology any of three properties (cardinal, fixed, or mutable), representing types of movement, that a zodiacal sign can possess.

adjective

informal
  • of good quality; excellent: he’s a quality player

Origin:

Middle English (in the senses 'character, disposition' and 'particular property or feature'): from Old French qualite, from Latin qualitas (translating Greek poiotēs), from qualis 'of what kind, of such a kind'