I. noun
1.
something inherent and distinctive
learned the special qualities of the native herbs
Synonyms: affection, attribute, character, characteristic, feature, mark, peculiarity, property, savor, trait, virtue; compare characteristic 1
Related Word: individuality; affirmation, predication; element, factor, parameter
2.
a usually high level of merit or superiority
merchandise of quality
Synonyms: caliber, merit, stature, value, virtue, worth
Related Word: arete, excellence, excellency, perfection, superbness, superiority
Contrasted words: inferiority, meanness, mediocrity, poorness; inadequacy; deficiency
3.
degree of excellence
upgrading the quality of incoming students
Synonyms: caliber, class, grade
Related Word: capacity, character, footing, place, position, rank, situation, standing, state, station, status
4.
Synonyms: status 1, capacity, character, footing, place, position, rank, standing, state, station
5.
Synonyms: aristocracy , aristoi, blue blood, elite, flower, gentility, gentry, patriciate, society, upper class
6.
Synonyms: excellence , arete, excellency, merit, perfection, virtue
II. adjective
Synonyms: excellent , A1, blue-ribbon, fine, first-class, first-rate, five-star, Grade A, prime, superior