qualify
/ˈkwɑːləˌfaɪ/
VERB
1. To meet requirements or standards
To demonstrate that someone or something meets the necessary conditions, standards, or criteria for a particular purpose, position, or opportunity.
1.1. Eligibility and requirements
Meeting the conditions or standards necessary to receive a benefit, obtain an opportunity, or become eligible for something.
Synonyms
- be eligible
- measure up
- meet the requirements
- satisfy
- fulfill
- comply
- conform
- fit
- suit
- make the grade
Antonyms
- fail
- fall short
- be ineligible
- be disqualified
- be unsuitable
Examples
- Applicants must qualify for the program by meeting its academic requirements.
- Her income is too high for her to qualify for financial assistance.
Related Words
- eligibility
- qualification
- prerequisite
- criterion
- standard
1.2. Competence and suitability
Proving that a person has the necessary abilities, knowledge, or experience to be considered capable or suitable for a particular role or activity.
Synonyms
- prove capable
- prove fit
- measure up
- be suitable
- be competent
- be adequate
- pass muster
- fill the bill
Antonyms
- be incompetent
- be incapable
- be unfit
- be unsuitable
- fail
Examples
- His extensive experience should qualify him for the leadership position.
- The candidate must demonstrate that she can qualify as a suitable instructor.
Related Words
1.3. Advancement in competitions
Achieving the required result or performance to advance to another round or participate in a major sporting event or competition.
Synonyms
- advance
- progress
- pass
- make the cut
- get through
- secure a place
- earn a spot
Antonyms
- be eliminated
- be disqualified
- fail to advance
- be knocked out
Examples
- The team must win its next match to qualify for the championship.
- Only the fastest runners qualify for the final round.
Related Words
- qualifier
- qualifying round
- tournament
- finalist
- elimination
VERB
2. To make someone suitable or prepared
To provide someone with the necessary training, knowledge, abilities, or preparation to perform a particular task or undertake a specific role.
2.1. Training and preparation
Developing or providing the skills and experience needed to make someone ready or capable of performing a particular activity.
Synonyms
- prepare
- train
- equip
- groom
- educate
- instruct
- habilitate
- capacitate
- enable
- develop
Antonyms
- disqualify
- incapacitate
- unfit
- disable
Examples
- The training course will qualify employees to operate the specialized equipment.
- Her education qualifies her to teach at the university level.
Related Words
2.2. Authorization and certification
Establishing or granting the qualifications, credentials, or official recognition needed to perform a professional or regulated activity.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- decertify
- disqualify
- deauthorize
- revoke
- prohibit
Examples
- The examination qualifies successful candidates to apply for professional certification.
- The accreditation qualifies the institution to offer the specialized course.
Related Words
- certification
- accreditation
- licensure
- authorization
- credential
VERB
3. To limit or modify the meaning of something
To make a statement, opinion, or expression more specific or less absolute by adding conditions, restrictions, exceptions, or clarifications.
3.1. Statements and opinions
Adding reservations or limitations to a statement or opinion so that it expresses a more precise or less general meaning.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- broaden
- generalize
- expand
- strengthen
- amplify
Examples
- The researcher qualified her conclusion by acknowledging the limitations of the study.
- He qualified his remarks to avoid making an overly broad claim.
Related Words
- caveat
- qualification
- reservation
- exception
- limitation
- proviso
3.2. Grammar and linguistic modification
Adding a grammatical modifier that describes, specifies, or restricts the meaning of another word or sentence element.
Synonyms
- modify
- describe
- specify
- characterize
- define
- restrict
Examples
- An adverb can qualify a verb by indicating how an action is performed.
- The adjective qualifies the noun by describing a particular characteristic.
Related Words
- modifier
- qualifier
- adjective
- adverb
- descriptor
- determiner
VERB
4. To specify a condition or requirement
To state something explicitly as a condition, provision, or requirement in a contract, agreement, or formal arrangement.
4.1. Contracts and agreements
Formally establishing conditions, obligations, or provisions that determine how an agreement or arrangement applies.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- waive
- withdraw
- revoke
- rescind
Examples
- The contract qualifies the payment arrangement by specifying additional conditions.
- The agreement stipulates that certain benefits are available only to registered members.
Related Words
VERB
5. To describe or characterize distinctive qualities
To describe, identify, or distinguish someone or something by referring to particular characteristics, qualities, or peculiarities.
5.1. Character and distinctive attributes
Describing or identifying the particular qualities, features, or characteristics that distinguish a person, object, or situation.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- These experiences qualify his character as unusually resilient.
- The details help characterize the distinctive qualities of the region.