primary qualities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "primary qualities" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in philosophical discussions to refer to the inherent attributes of an object, such as shape, size, and motion, that exist independently of perception. Example: "According to Locke, primary qualities are essential to understanding the nature of physical objects."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Authors have endless contradictions and multiple personalities but "niceness" is nowhere among our primary qualities.

The Guardian - Opinion

Examples of primary qualities include "solidity, extension, figure, motion, or rest, and number".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Secondary qualities are configurations or arrangements of primary qualities that cause sensible ideas such as sounds, colours, odours, and tastes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Primary qualities include size, shape, weight, and solidity, among others, and secondary qualities include colour, taste, and smell.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The primary qualities of an object, in other words, resemble the ideas they cause in the mind.

Encyclopedia Britannica

According to Locke, primary qualities, but not secondary qualities, are represented in the mind as they exist in the object itself.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Each of the humours is built up from the four elements and displays two of the four primary qualities: hot, cold, wet, and dry.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While an efficient ball player, his primary qualities are of a purely defensive nature; his positioning is intelligent, he reads the game well and more often than not he times his tackles to perfection.

The Guardian - Sport

His reading of Schopenhauer had stimulated the idea for a different sort of work -- one that would embody the very restlessness and heartaching desire that are the primary qualities of the sentient world, according to the philosopher.

The New York Times - Books

Ideas of primary qualities resemble the qualities as they are in the object as one's idea of the roundness of a snowball resembles the roundness of the snowball itself.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thus, the whiteness of the snowball is merely an idea produced in the mind by the interaction between light, the primary qualities of the snowball, and the perceiver's sense organs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing philosophical concepts, ensure that you clearly define what you mean by "primary qualities", as the interpretation can vary depending on the philosophical school of thought.

Common error

Avoid using "primary qualities" interchangeably with "secondary qualities". "Primary qualities" (e.g., shape, size) are considered inherent to an object, while "secondary qualities" (e.g., color, taste) are dependent on perception.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primary qualities" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to inherent attributes of objects, often in philosophical contexts, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "primary qualities" is a grammatically sound noun phrase commonly employed in academic, scientific, and philosophical discussions. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it refers to the inherent and objective attributes of objects, as opposed to "secondary qualities" that are perception-dependent. Usage is most frequent in scientific and encyclopedic contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. To ensure clarity, define "primary qualities" explicitly when discussing philosophical concepts, and avoid confusing them with "secondary qualities".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary characteristics

Is very similar, though 'characteristics' can be used more broadly.

essential qualities

Refers to the most important and defining qualities.

essential attributes

Emphasizes the fundamental and necessary characteristics of an object or concept.

fundamental properties

Highlights the basic and underlying characteristics that define something.

inherent characteristics

Focuses on the qualities that are naturally and intrinsically part of something.

intrinsic qualities

Underscores qualities that belong to something by its very nature.

objective properties

Stresses qualities that exist independently of perception or opinion.

real qualities

Highlights the genuine and existing characteristics of an object.

basic characteristics

Focuses on simple and elemental characteristics.

core attributes

Emphasizes the central and defining aspects of something.

FAQs

How are "primary qualities" different from secondary qualities?

"Primary qualities" are inherent properties of an object, such as size and shape, while secondary qualities, like color and taste, are how we perceive those properties. For more details, see the differences explained in descriptions like essential "attributes" or fundamental "properties".

What are some examples of "primary qualities"?

Examples include solidity, extension, figure, motion or rest, and number. These are often contrasted with secondary qualities such as color, taste, and smell.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the term "primary qualities"?

This term is most appropriate in philosophical discussions, especially those pertaining to metaphysics, epistemology, and the philosophy of perception. It is also relevant in some scientific contexts when discussing objective properties of matter.

Are "primary qualities" always objective and measurable?

The objectivity of "primary qualities" is a subject of debate in philosophy. While they are often considered more objective than secondary qualities, some philosophers argue that all qualities are, to some extent, dependent on perception. Alternatives exist depending on your meaning, such as "objective properties".