qualitative leap en · NOUN
Etymology
Modified from dialectical leap, the latter a calque of German dialektischer Sprung, a concept from Hegel's dialectical method. The modifier qualitative means that the leap in question is a transition in quality, where the latter should be understood in its original sense of “what-ness”, that is, the kind or nature of something.
Meanings
- A qualitative, non-gradual change resulting from a quantitatively minor change.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| qualitative leaps | Number=Plur | lexicographic |
Relateds
the straw that broke the camel's back