Meaning 1
The level of excellence shown by how well something is made or performed.
Reach for it when evaluating the standard of work, service, or material
Consistent stitching raised the quality of every repaired sail.
Meaning 2
A recognizable feature of a person or thing, especially one that adds value.
Reach for it when identifying a particular strength rather than rating the whole
Patience was the quality that made Noor such an effective instructor.
| Meaning 1 | Meaning 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| everyday | ||
| warm |
| |
| professional |
| |
| formal | ||
| literary |
everyday
standard
Fits when the expected level of work is central
Careful A standard is a benchmark, not the achieved quality itself.
warm
Fits when unusually high merit is the whole claim
Careful Excellence is stronger than a neutral level of quality.
professional
caliber
Fits when overall standard is compared within a field
Careful Caliber can sound like ranking people rather than evaluating work.
formal
Fits when inherent worth deserves recognition
Careful Merit does not describe consistency or finish.
literary
Fits when superior character sets the subject apart
Careful Distinction can refer to difference without excellence.
everyday
trait
Fits when a personal characteristic is meant neutrally
Careful Trait names a characteristic without judging it positive.
professional
attribute
Fits when a specific feature can be identified precisely
Careful Attribute is analytical and lacks evaluative warmth.
formal
Fits when the quality is morally or practically good
Careful Virtue is too moral for a technical feature.
high quality
High quality came from patient checks rather than expensive materials.
quality of care
The survey asks families about the quality of care they received.
defining quality
Curiosity is the defining quality of her teaching.
admirable quality
Her admirable quality was a willingness to revise her own advice.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, California accent, from Wikimedia Commons, public domain Updated
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