qualify

To qualify is to be entitled to something or to fit the requirements of something, or to modify or soften a statement or action.

(verb)

When a job requires a college degree and you have a college degree, this is an example of a time when you qualify for the job.
When you make a low income and are entitled to receive welfare benefits, this is an example of a time when you qualify for benefits.
When you say "Ialways like to eat chicken," but then you amend that statement to say "Ialmost always like to eat chicken," this is an example of a time when you qualify your original statement.

See qualify in Webster's New World College Dictionary

Origin: Fr qualifier < ML qualificare < L qualis, of what kind (see quale) + facere, to make, do

intransitive verb

to be or become qualified, as by meeting requirements

Related Forms:

See qualify in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb qual·i·fied, qual·i·fy·ing, qual·i·fies

verb, transitive

To describe by enumerating the characteristics or qualities of; characterize.
To make competent or eligible for an office, position, or task.
a. To declare competent or capable; certify.
b. To make legally capable; license.
To modify, limit, or restrict, as by giving exceptions.
To make less harsh or severe; moderate. See Synonyms at moderate.
Grammar To modify the meaning of (a noun, for example).

verb, intransitive