Category:Qualify

Qual"i*fy, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Qualified; p. pr. & vb. n. Qualifying.] Etym: [f. qualifier, ll. qualificare, fr. L. qualis how Constituted, as + -ficare (in comp.) to make. See quality, and -fy.]

1. To make such as is required; to give added or requisite qualities To; to fit, as for a place, office, occupation, or character; to Furnish with the knowledge, skill, or other accomplishment necessary For a purpose; to make capable, as of an employment or privilege; to Supply with legal power or capacity. He had qualified himself for municipal office by taking the oaths to The sovereigns in possession. Macaulay.

2. To give individual quality to; to modulate; to vary; to regulate. It hath no larynx. . . to qualify the sound. Sir t. Browne.

3. To reduce from a general, undefined, or comprehensive form, to Particular or restricted form; to modify; to limit; to restrict; to Restrain; as, to qualify a statement, claim, or proposition.

4. Hence, to soften; to abate; to diminish; to assuage; to reduce the Strength of, as liquors. I do not seek to quench your love's hot fire, but qualify the fire's Extreme rage. Shak.

5. To soothe; to cure; -- said of persons. [obs.] In short space he has them qualified. Spenser.

Syn. -- to fit; equip; prepare; adapt; capacitate; enable; modify; Soften; restrict; restrain; temper.

Qualify Qual"i*fy, v. i.

1. To be or become qualified; to be fit, as for an office or Employment.

2. To obtain legal power or capacity by taking the oath, or complying With the forms required, on assuming an office.