a. [ad. late L. quālitātīv-us (Cassiodorus): see QUALITY and -IVE. Cf. F. qualitatif, -ive (15th c.).] Relating to, connected or concerned with, quality or qualities. Now usually in implied or expressed opposition to QUANTITATIVE.
1607. Collins, Serm. (1608), 5. Fourthly, qualitative, from the dispositions of the persons themselves.
1652. Gaule, Magastrom., 49. What have the qualitative influxes of the Planets, or their dominion, there to doe?
a. 1703. Burkitt, On N. T., Rom. xii. 2. This conversion and renovation is not a substantial, but a qualitative change.
1842. Parnell, Chem. Anal. (1845), 2. An examination … which does not develope more than the nature or quality of the constituents, is termed a qualitative analysis.
1881. Westcott & Hort, Grk. N. T., II. 44. A numerical preponderance may have rightly to yield to a qualitative preponderance.
Hence Qualitatively adv., in respect of quality.
1681. Flavel, Meth. Grace, vi. 128. Faith may be considered…. Qualitatively, as a saving grace.
1845. G. E. Day, trans. Simon’s Anim. Chem., I. 321. The composition of the blood is here qualitatively changed.
1862. H. Spencer, First Princ., I. iv. § 26 (1875), 90. In consciousness the Unlimited and the Indivisible are qualitatively distinct.
