quality

n.

1. A characteristic

   attribute, trait, property, characteristic, character, feature, mark, point, endowment; see also characteristic.

2. Essential character

   nature, essence, spirit, tone; see character 2.

3. Grade

   class, kind, state, condition, caliber, merit, worth, excellence, stage, step, variety, standing, status, rank, group, place, position, repute; see also degree 2.

quality, the broadest in scope of these terms, refers to a characteristic (physical or nonphysical, individual or typical) that constitutes the basic nature of a thing or is one of its distinguishing features the quality of mercy; property applies to a quality that belongs to a thing by reason of the essential nature of the thing elasticity is a property of rubber; character, in this connection, is the scientific or formal term for a distinctive or peculiar quality of an individual or of a class, species, etc. a hereditary character; an attribute is a quality assigned to a thing, esp. one that may reasonably be deduced as appropriate to it omnipotence is an attribute of God; trait specif. applies to a distinguishing quality of a person's character enthusiasm is one of his outstanding traits