Qualify

/ˈkwɒlɪfaɪ/

Meaning & Definition

verb
to meet the necessary condition or requirements to do something, often in terms of skills, education, or other criteria.
She had to take several courses to qualify for the advanced program.
to make a statement or assertion less absolute; to add limitations or restrictions.
He qualified his opinions by stating they were based on personal experience.
to provide someone with the necessary credentials or qualifications.
The internship is designed to qualify students for entry-level positions in the industry.
to score enough points to advance in a competition.
The team qualified for the finals after winning the semi-final match.
to declare or officially recognize someone as meeting the standards for a particular position.
She was qualified as a teacher after completing her degree.

Etymology

Middle English: from Old French qualifier, from Latin qualificare, fromqualis ‘of what kind’ + facere ‘to make’.

Common Phrases and Expressions

qualify for
To be eligible for something.
qualifying round
A preliminary stage in a competition that determines finalists.
qualify as
To be recognized as or to meet the criteria of.
self-qualifying
Refers to an action or status that inherently meets the criteria without external validation.

Related Words

qualification
A condition or quality needed to meet requirements.
qualified
Having the necessary skills, knowledge, or credentials.
qualifier
A word or phrase that specifies or restricts meaning.

Slang Meanings

To get the nod
She got the nod from the committee after her presentation; she qualified.
To pass the test
If you can ace this exam, you'll be qualified to move up.