quantify
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to determine, indicate, or express the quantity of.
-
Logic. to make explicit the quantity of (a proposition).
-
to give quantity to (something regarded as having only quality).
verb
-
to discover or express the quantity of
-
logic to specify the quantity of (a term) by using a quantifier, such as all, some, or no
Other Word Forms
- quantifiable adjective
- quantification noun
- unquantified adjective
Etymology
Origin of quantify
First recorded in 1830–40; from Medieval Latin quantificāre, equivalent to Latin quant(us) “how much” + -ificāre -ify
Compare meaning
How does quantify compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
When you quantify something, you're putting it in numbers. If you're asked to quantify the fingers on your hand, you better say five. If you like math, this word is for you: quantifying is counting or expressing something in numbers. Oddly enough quantify often comes into play when people are trying to count things that can't really be counted. When a doctor asks you to rate your pain on a scale of 1 to 10, he's asking you to quantify for your pain. Michael Jordan won 6 NBA championships, but you can't quantify what made him great: his drive and determination.
Vocabulary lists containing quantify
This Week In Culture: September 5–11, 2020
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
This Week In Culture: Current Events Vocab for October 31–November 6, 2020
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"Simon's Saga," Vocabulary from Episode 35
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She acknowledges elements of her work are difficult to quantify.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026
The board investigation confirmed those findings, citing Davis for failing to quantify the volume of blood loss and choosing to monitor Ngumezi’s condition instead of immediately taking her for a D&C procedure.
From Salon • Apr. 20, 2026
The team says this is the first time sonar mapping and satellite imagery have been brought together in this way to examine Lough Neagh and "attempt to quantify the range of potential impacts".
From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026
Still, their confidence is tempered by the growing list of uncertainties that are difficult to quantify.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026
The pistol was more useful, but the cane brought Kaz a relief he didn’t care to quantify.
From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
