/ ˈkwɒlɪfaɪ; NAmE ˈkwɑːl-/ verb
( quali·fies , quali·fy·ing , quali·fied , quali·fied )
FOR JOB
1.
[ v ] qualify (as sth) to reach the standard of ability or knowledge needed to do a particular job, for example by completing a course of study or passing exams :
How long does it take to qualify?
He qualified as a doctor last year.
GIVE SKILLS / KNOWLEDGE
2.
qualify sb (for sth) to give sb the skills and knowledge they need to do sth :
[ vn ]
This training course will qualify you for a better job.
[ vn to inf ]
The test qualifies you to drive heavy vehicles.
HAVE / GIVE RIGHT
3.
qualify (sb) (for sth) to have or give sb the right to do sth :
[ v ]
If you live in the area, you qualify for a parking permit.
To qualify, you must have lived in this country for at least three years.
[ vn ]
Paying a fee doesn't automatically qualify you for membership.
FOR COMPETITION
4.
[ v ] qualify (for sth) to be of a high enough standard to enter a competition; to defeat another person or team in order to enter or continue in a competition :
He failed to qualify.
They qualified for the World Cup.
FIT DESCRIPTION
5.
qualify (sth) (as sth) to have the right qualities to be described as a particular thing :
[ v ]
Do you think this dress qualifies as evening wear?
[ vn ]
It's an old building, but that doesn't qualify it as an ancient monument!
STATEMENT
6.
[ vn ] to add sth to a previous statement to make the meaning less strong or less general :
I want to qualify what I said earlier—I didn't mean he couldn't do the job, only that he would need supervision.
GRAMMAR
7.
[ vn ] ( of a word ) to describe another word in a particular way :
In 'the open door', 'open' is an adjective qualifying 'door'.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (in the sense describe in a particular way ): from French qualifier , from medieval Latin qualificare , from Latin qualis of what kind, of such a kind (see quality ).