Definition and meaning of qualify

QualifyQual"i*fy (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Qualified (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Qualifying (?).] [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.

QualifyQual"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.