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Robert Leko
Quality versus Qualitative
Hi!
What is the proper usage? Do we say 'quality product' or 'qualitative product'?
I've seen on shop windows the first one however, according to the Google Translator the latter is supposed to be used.
Many thanks!
Jul 5, 2017 6:58 PM
Answers · 4
1
I'm surprised, because whatever the original, "qualitative product" is wrong.
As an adjective, "quality" is a modern, accepted shortening of the phrase "high quality." "A quality product" means simply an excellent product. It carries the idea that the excellence is deep and fundamental.
"Qualitative" is a semi-technical, relatively rare word not used in everyday speech. It is used in contrast with "quantitative." In chemistry, a "qualitative analysis" tells you what ions are present in a solution, without measuring how much of each is present; a "quantitative analysis" gives you a numerical measure of the quantities of each.
More broadly, something is "quantitative" when it is rigorous and numerical, "qualitative" when it is not. For example, "GMO is forecasting emerging markets stocks to show a real return of 4.0% over the next seven years" is a quantitative statement; Roger Babson's 1929 statements, "Sooner or later a crash is coming, and it may be terrific" is a qualitative statement.
"Qualitative" does not make any sense at all as a description of a good product. In fact, it's horribly wrong.
July 5, 2017
1
Hi Robert,
In this context, you would use "quality product." "Qualitative" is used in an analysis of a subjective quality of a product e.g., taste, smell, etc. When someone says "qualitative," I think of research and data collection.
I hope this helps!
Wenwei
July 5, 2017
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Robert Leko
Language Skills
English, Hungarian, Serbian
Learning Language
English
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