Words / B2

KWONT-if-eye/ˈkwɒntɪfaɪ/

To quantify is to express something as a number: quantify the risk, hard to quantify, quantify the cost. Measure is everyday; count is for discrete items; estimate allows a rough figure. Quantitative is the adjective. In speech, put a number on it is enough. Academic and policy English love this verb. Do not pretend you have quantified something if you only have an anecdote, and do not confuse it with qualify.

Meaning

To measure or express something as a number or amount.

Examples

• “It is hard to quantify the long-term cost of the delay.”
• “The review could not quantify the long-term harm, only the first-year cost.”
• “If you cannot quantify the saving, do not put it in the business case as a fact.”

Good to know

quantify the + noun; hard to quantify. Everyday: put a number on it. Close: measure. Adjective: quantitative. Mix-up: qualify. Needs more than an anecdote.

Near in meaning

measure

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