qualitatively different

USAGE SUMMARY

"qualitatively different" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe two or more things that have certain similarities but are also distinctively different in quality. For example, "Although both computers perform the same task, their capabilities are qualitatively different."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

What Tucker argues is that Semenya's "difference" is qualitatively different from Bolt's "difference".

The New Yorker

Not qualitatively different?

The Guardian - Opinion

No, we were qualitatively different.

The Economist

But maps are qualitatively different.

Independent

"Yes, I think it is qualitatively different".

The New York Times

But, at the same time, the Internet is qualitatively different".

The New York Times

They also wanted to study adults, figuring that the peer effects among teenagers are qualitatively different).

The New York Times - Magazine

"A claim that he is a Fascist means that the others are somehow qualitatively different.

The New Yorker

But is there something qualitatively different about the attitudes of some men towards women now?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The treatment is qualitatively different to the other procedures which fall into that class.

The Guardian - Opinion

Our food is now made in qualitatively different ways than it was in our forebears' time.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "qualitatively different" when you want to emphasize that the difference between two things is not just a matter of degree, but a fundamental difference in kind or nature.

Common error

Avoid using "qualitatively different" when you simply mean that something is larger, smaller, or more numerous. If the difference is measurable, a quantitative descriptor is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "qualitatively different" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it possesses different attributes or characteristics. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it highlights a difference in kind, not just in degree. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts to emphasize this distinction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "qualitatively different" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to emphasize a fundamental difference in kind rather than degree. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and Ludwig's examples show its presence across varied sources, including news, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. When writing, remember to employ this phrase when you want to highlight differences in nature or essence, and avoid using it merely to indicate quantitative disparities. Exploring related phrases, such as "fundamentally distinct" or "inherently dissimilar", can also enrich your writing by providing nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Fundamentally distinct

Emphasizes a more basic or essential level of difference.

Inherently dissimilar

Highlights that the difference is part of the nature of the items being compared.

Distinct in nature

Focuses specifically on the kind or type of difference.

Essentially unalike

Suggests a core, irreducible difference.

Categorically disparate

Implies a difference in category or classification.

Markedly divergent

Highlights a noticeable deviation or difference in direction.

Substantially contrasted

Focuses on the significant points of difference.

Decidedly different

Emphasizes a clear and definite difference.

Noticeably distinct

Highlights that the difference is easily observed.

Significantly varied

Indicates a considerable degree of difference.

FAQs

How do you use "qualitatively different" in a sentence?

You can use "qualitatively different" to describe two or more things that have certain similarities but are also distinctively different in quality. For instance, "Although both systems achieve the same goal, their approach is "qualitatively different"."

What is a good alternative to "qualitatively different"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "qualitatively different" include "fundamentally distinct", "inherently dissimilar", or "distinct in nature".

What does "qualitatively different" mean?

"Qualitatively different" means that the difference is one of kind or characteristic rather than degree or amount. It implies a fundamental distinction in the nature or essence of things being compared.

Is there a difference between "qualitatively different" and "quantitatively different"?

Yes. "Qualitatively different" refers to differences in characteristics or qualities, while "quantitatively different" refers to differences in measurable amounts or quantities. For example, two paintings might be "qualitatively different" in style, while two piles of sand might be quantitatively different in weight.