qualify

Where does the word "qualify" come from? It comes from Latin qualis, and was adopted directly into English (1400s).

Qualify’s story begins in Latin: qualis meant “of what kind.” Of what kind, combined with facere (to make). It reached English by 1400s as qualify. Settled as the English word for meeting the necessary standard or condition. Today, qualify means to meet the necessary standard or requirements to be eligible for something.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient qualis "of what kind", of what kind, combined with facere (to make).
2. Stage 2 · English · 1400s qualify "to meet the necessary standard or condition for something", settled as the English word for meeting the necessary standard or condition.