Word Direct Answers

What does "qualify" mean?

Qualify: To give individual quality to; to modulate; to vary; to regulate. It hath no larynx . . . to qualify the sound. Sir T. Browne.

Additional senses

  1. 2.To reduce from a general, undefined, or comprehensive form, to particular or restricted form; to modify; to limit; to restrict; to restrain; as, to qualify a statement, claim, or proposition.
  2. 3.Hence, to soften; to abate; to diminish; to assuage; to reduce the strength of, as liquors. I do not seek to quench your love's hot fire, But qualify the fire's extreme rage. Shak.
  3. 4.To soothe; to cure; -- said of persons. [Obs.] In short space he has them qualified. Spenser.
  4. 5.To be or become qualified; to be fit, as for an office or employment.
  5. 6.To obtain legal power or capacity by taking the oath, or complying with the forms required, on assuming an office.

Sources