List of Descriptive Adjectives Starting with q

Quits

History

The word “quits” has its origins in Middle English, derived from the Latin phrase “quietus est,” which means “he is at rest” or “he is free from obligation.” Over time, it came to signify an equal settlement of accounts or being even with someone. You can check complete adjectives that start with Q below.

Evolution

From its roots in settling financial matters, “quits” evolved to encompass various situations where two parties are considered to be on equal terms, indicating an end to a dispute or relationship.

Uses

1. Equality: “Quits” is used to indicate that two parties have settled their differences and are now considered to be on equal terms, often in a sense of mutual forgiveness or resolution.
2. Debts: It can describe a situation where two individuals have repaid each other equally, canceling out any financial obligations.
3. Disputes: In conflicts or disagreements, “quits” can signify a truce or an agreement to cease hostilities and move forward amicably.
4. Relationships: “Quits” can also describe the end of a personal or professional relationship, suggesting that both parties have decided to part ways without any lingering animosity.

Quincentenary

History

The term quincentenary is derived from the Latin word “quinquies,” meaning five times, and “centenary,” which relates to a hundred years. It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century.

Evolution

Quincentenary has maintained its focus on a period of 500 years but has evolved to encompass commemorations or events related to such anniversaries.

Uses

1. Anniversaries: “Quincentenary” specifically refers to the 500th anniversary of a significant event, such as the quincentenary of a city’s founding or a historical milestone.
2. Commemorations: It is used to mark and celebrate historical events that occurred five centuries ago, often involving cultural, educational, or historical exhibitions and activities.
3. Academics: In academia, “quincentenary” is employed to describe scholarly research or conferences dedicated to the study of events that happened 500 years ago.
4. Historical Milestones: It is used to emphasize the enduring significance of events and their impact on the course of history.

Quadruplicate

History

The word “quadruplicate” combines the Latin “quattuor,” meaning four, and “duplicate,” meaning copy. It has been used since the late 16th century to describe the act of making four identical copies of something.

Evolution

Quadruplicate has retained its core meaning of creating four copies but is also used more broadly to indicate replication or multiplication.

Uses

1. Copying: “Quadruplicate” is used when an identical copy of a document, form, or record is produced four times, often for record-keeping or distribution purposes.
2. Data: In scientific research and data analysis, “quadruplicate” can describe an experimental design where a particular test or measurement is conducted four times to ensure accuracy and reliability.
3. Repetition: Beyond the literal sense, it can be used metaphorically to emphasize repetition or multiplication in various contexts, such as quadruplicate redundancies in a system.
4. Records: Historically, it was used in administrative settings where multiple copies of documents were needed for archiving and auditing purposes.

Quelled

History

The term quelled has roots in Middle English and Old English, where it meant to kill or destroy. Over time, its meaning evolved to include the suppression or pacification of disturbances or emotions.

Evolution

From its original connotation of physical violence, “quelled” transitioned to describe the calming or subduing of conflicts, fears, or rebellions.

Uses

1. Conflict: “Quelled” is used to describe situations where conflicts, protests, or uprisings have been suppressed or brought under control, often by the use of force or negotiation.
2. Emotions: It can also pertain to the calming of intense emotions or inner turmoil, such as quelling one’s fears or anxieties.