Qualificare

Qualificare is an Italian transitive verb of the first conjugation that denotes the act of assessing, classifying, or granting a qualification to someone or something. It can mean to describe the kind or quality of something, to determine whether a person or thing meets required standards, or to grant eligibility for a competition, program, or status.

Etymology and forms: Qualificare comes from Latin qualificare, from qualis “of what kind” plus the suffix -ficare. Related nouns include qualificazione (qualification), qualificato (qualified), and qualificatore (qualifier). The verb is regular in the -are conjugation, with present tense forms such as qualifico, qualifici, qualifica, qualificiamo, qualificate, qualificano, and passato prossimo formed with avere (ho qualificato).

Usage and senses:

- To assess or rate quality or fitness (qualificare un candidato, una prestazione).

- To render eligible for a competition or program (la squadra si è qualificata per la finale).

- To define or describe the characteristics of something or someone (qualificare un termine).

- In normative or professional contexts, to assign an official qualification or status (qualificare una professionalità).

Reflexive use: Qualificarsi means to qualify oneself, i.e., to meet the necessary qualifications or to present oneself as suitable for a role or activity (es. si è qualificato per il concorso).

Examples: “L’esaminatore ha qualificato il candidato come idoneo.” “La squadra si è qualificata per la semifinale.” “Questo testo va qualificato come non affidabile.”

See also: qualificazione, qualificato, qualificatore, lingua italiana.