Intermediate Words That Start With Q

Intermediate Words That Start With Q

When it comes to vocabulary, words that begin with the letter “Q” are often seen as more advanced or less commonly used. However, there is a range of intermediate words starting with “Q” that can enhance your language skills, whether for writing, speaking, or comprehension. Below is a list of some notable words starting with “Q,” along with their meanings and examples of how they can be used in sentences.

List of Intermediate Words That Start With Q

Intermediate Words That Start With Q with meaning and example

Quaint
Meaning: Attractively old-fashioned or unusual.
Example: The quaint little village was a perfect getaway from the bustling city.

Quake
Meaning: To shake or tremble.
Example: The ground began to quake during the earthquake.

Qualify
Meaning: To meet the requirements or standards.
Example: She worked hard to qualify for the national swimming competition.

Quality
Meaning: The standard of something as measured against other things.
Example: The quality of the fabric was superior to others in the market.

Quantify
Meaning: To measure or express the quantity of something.
Example: It’s difficult to quantify the impact of the new policy on the economy.

Quantum
Meaning: A discrete quantity of energy proportional to the frequency of the radiation it represents.
Example: Quantum mechanics is a fundamental theory in physics.

Quarantine
Meaning: A period of isolation to prevent the spread of disease.
Example: The patient was placed in quarantine to avoid infecting others.

Quarrel
Meaning: A heated argument or disagreement.
Example: The siblings had a quarrel over who would inherit the family heirloom.

Quarter
Meaning: One of four equal parts.
Example: He divided the pizza into four quarters and shared them with his friends.

Quench
Meaning: To satisfy thirst or extinguish a fire.
Example: He drank water to quench his thirst after the long hike.

Quest
Meaning: A long or arduous search for something.
Example: The knight embarked on a quest to find the holy grail.

Question
Meaning: A sentence or phrase used to find out information.
Example: The teacher asked a question about the lesson to ensure everyone understood.

Quick
Meaning: Moving fast or doing something in a short time.
Example: She made a quick decision to catch the last train.

Quiet
Meaning: Making little or no noise.
Example: The library was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Quirk
Meaning: A peculiar behavioral habit.
Example: One of his quirks was always tapping his foot when he was thinking.

Quotient
Meaning: A result obtained by dividing one quantity by another.
Example: The quotient of 20 divided by 4 is 5.

Quaintly
Meaning: In an attractively unusual or old-fashioned manner.
Example: The house was quaintly decorated with vintage furniture.

Quibble
Meaning: A slight objection or criticism.
Example: The lawyer raised a quibble about the wording of the contract.

Quenching
Meaning: The act of satisfying or extinguishing.
Example: Quenching his thirst with a cold drink was the best part of the day.

Quotable
Meaning: Worthy of being quoted.
Example: The speech was full of quotable lines that resonated with the audience.

Quarrelsome
Meaning: Inclined to argue or fight.
Example: His quarrelsome nature often got him into trouble with his colleagues.

Quantity
Meaning: The amount or number of something.
Example: The quantity of goods ordered was sufficient to meet the demand.

Quotidian
Meaning: Occurring daily; commonplace.
Example: The quotidian routine of her job had become monotonous.

Quixotic
Meaning: Extremely idealistic; unrealistic and impractical.
Example: His quixotic plans to save the world were admirable but impractical.

Quizzical
Meaning: Indicating mild or amused puzzlement.
Example: She gave him a quizzical look when he suggested the unusual idea.

Query
Meaning: A question, especially one addressed to an official or organization.
Example: The customer sent a query about the delay in delivery.

Quorum
Meaning: The minimum number of members needed to conduct a meeting.
Example: The meeting could not proceed because there wasn’t a quorum.

Quasar
Meaning: A massive and extremely remote celestial object, emitting exceptionally large amounts of energy.
Example: The telescope captured images of a distant quasar.

Quintessential
Meaning: Representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class.
Example: He was the quintessential gentleman, always polite and considerate.

Quilt
Meaning: A warm bed covering made of padding enclosed between layers of fabric and kept in place by lines of stitching.
Example: She wrapped herself in a quilt to keep warm on the cold night.

Quintet
Meaning: A group of five people playing music or singing together.
Example: The quintet performed a beautiful piece at the concert.

Quirkiness
Meaning: The quality of being unusual or different.
Example: Her quirkiness made her stand out in a crowd.

Quasi
Meaning: Seemingly; apparently but not really.
Example: The new law has a quasi-legal status, as it hasn’t been fully ratified.

Quickly
Meaning: At a fast speed; rapidly.
Example: She quickly finished her homework to have time to relax.

Quarterly
Meaning: Occurring or produced every three months.
Example: The company releases its quarterly financial reports to shareholders.

Quickened
Meaning: Made faster or more active.
Example: The pace of the project quickened as the deadline approached.

Quasi-judicial
Meaning: A body or process that has powers resembling those of a court of law.
Example: The board’s decision was made through a quasi-judicial process.

Quizzically
Meaning: In a puzzled or questioning manner.
Example: He looked at her quizzically when she mentioned the strange event.

Quotability
Meaning: The quality of being worth quoting.
Example: The politician’s speech had high quotability due to its impactful statements.

Quicken
Meaning: To make faster or more lively.
Example: The runners quickened their pace as they neared the finish line.

Questionable
Meaning: Doubtful as regards truth or quality.
Example: The authenticity of the painting was questionable.

Quindecim
Meaning: A group or set of fifteen.
Example: The ancient temple had a quindecim of columns.

Quibbler
Meaning: A person who makes petty objections.
Example: The quibbler in the group kept slowing down the discussion with irrelevant points.

Quaintness
Meaning: The quality of being attractively unusual or old-fashioned.
Example: The quaintness of the village attracted many tourists.

Quisling
Meaning: A traitor who collaborates with an enemy force.
Example: History remembers him as a quisling who betrayed his country.

Quid
Meaning: A basic unit of currency in the UK, equal to one pound sterling.
Example: He gave me a quid to buy a snack from the shop.

Quasars
Meaning: Extremely bright and distant objects powered by black holes at the center of galaxies.
Example: The scientist explained how quasars are among the most luminous objects in the universe.

Quasi-scientific
Meaning: Resembling science but not adhering to the scientific method.
Example: The theory was dismissed as quasi-scientific due to its lack of empirical evidence.

Qualm
Meaning: An uneasy feeling of doubt, worry, or fear.
Example: She had no qualms about speaking her mind during the meeting.

Quorums
Meaning: Plural of quorum, meaning the minimum number of members required to conduct business in a group.
Example: Different committees had different quorums for decision-making.

Quatrain
Meaning: A stanza of four lines, especially one having alternate rhymes.
Example: The poet wrote a quatrain to capture the essence of spring.

Quiddity
Meaning: The inherent nature or essence of someone or something.
Example: The quiddity of the debate was whether the policy was just.

Qualities
Meaning: Distinguishing characteristics or attributes.
Example: Her leadership qualities were evident in how she managed the project.

Quadrant
Meaning: A quarter of a circle or area divided into four parts.
Example: The map was divided into four quadrants to make navigation easier.

Quadratic
Meaning: Relating to a polynomial of the second degree.
Example: The quadratic equation was solved using the quadratic formula.

Quarterback
Meaning: The player in American football who leads the team’s offensive play.
Example: The quarterback threw a perfect pass to win the game.

Quid-pro-quo
Meaning: A favor or advantage granted in return for something.
Example: The agreement was a classic quid-pro-quo arrangement.

Quixotism
Meaning: The impractical pursuit of ideals.
Example: His quixotism often led him to chase unattainable dreams.

Quadruped
Meaning: An animal with four feet.
Example: The horse is a quadruped, which helps it run swiftly.

Quotations
Meaning: Words or phrases repeated from another source.
Example: The essay included several quotations from famous authors.

Quip
Meaning: A witty remark.
Example: His quip about the weather lightened the mood of the meeting.

Quixotically
Meaning: In a manner that is excessively idealistic.
Example: She quixotically believed that she could change the world on her own.

Quixoticism
Meaning: The quality of being exceedingly idealistic and unrealistic.
Example: His quixoticism led him to undertake projects that were doomed to fail.

Quanta
Meaning: Plural of quantum, referring to discrete quantities of energy or matter.
Example: The physicist studied the behavior of light in terms of quanta.

Quotas
Meaning: A fixed share or amount of something that is allocated.
Example: The company set quotas for sales to ensure targets were met.

Querulous
Meaning: Complaining in a petulant or whining manner.
Example: The querulous tone in her voice suggested she was dissatisfied.

Quiescent
Meaning: In a state of inactivity or dormancy.
Example: The volcano remained quiescent for centuries before erupting.

Quickening
Meaning: The act of making something faster or more active.
Example: The quickening pace of technological advancements is reshaping industries.

Quintuple
Meaning: To increase fivefold.
Example: The company’s profits quintupled within a year due to the new marketing strategy.

Qualifying
Meaning: Meeting the necessary requirements or conditions.
Example: She was qualifying for the championship after a series of successful matches.

Quirky
Meaning: Characterized by peculiar or unexpected traits.
Example: His quirky sense of humor always made the office more lively.

Quicksilver
Meaning: Another term for mercury, a liquid metal.
Example: Quicksilver is used in various scientific and industrial applications.

Quantitative
Meaning: Relating to the measurement of quantity.
Example: The researcher focused on the quantitative analysis of data.

Queried
Meaning: Asked a question or expressed doubt.
Example: She queried the accuracy of the report before accepting its conclusions.

Quail
Meaning: A small game bird or to feel or show fear.
Example: The hunter spotted a quail in the bushes. / She did not quail in the face of danger.

Qualitative
Meaning: Relating to the quality or nature of something rather than its quantity.
Example: The qualitative research focused on understanding people’s experiences.

Quasi-historical
Meaning: Resembling history but not fully factual.
Example: The novel was quasi-historical, blending real events with fictional elements.

Quality-control
Meaning: The process of ensuring that products meet certain standards.
Example: The factory implemented strict quality-control measures to reduce defects.

Quenchable
Meaning: Able to be satisfied or extinguished.
Example: Her thirst was quenchable with a simple glass of water.

Quorum-sensing
Meaning: The process by which bacteria communicate and coordinate behavior based on population density.
Example: Quorum-sensing is crucial for understanding how bacterial infections spread.

Quintuplets
Meaning: Five offspring born at the same time from the same mother.
Example: The family was amazed when they welcomed quintuplets into their lives.

Quantization
Meaning: The process of converting a continuous range of values into a finite range.
Example: Quantization is used in digital signal processing to approximate analog signals.

Quenched
Meaning: Extinguished or satisfied.
Example: The fire was quenched after hours of effort. / His thirst was quenched by the cold drink.

Quasi-state
Meaning: An entity that has some, but not all, attributes of a state.
Example: The region functioned as a quasi-state with its own governance but lacked full recognition.

Quick-witted
Meaning: Able to think and respond quickly and cleverly.
Example: Her quick-witted replies always kept the conversation lively.

Quotably
Meaning: In a manner that is suitable for quoting.
Example: The author spoke quotably about the impact of literature on society.

Quadrants
Meaning: Plural of quadrant, sections of a plane divided by perpendicular lines.
Example: The map was divided into quadrants to facilitate navigation.

Quasi-military
Meaning: Resembling or relating to military organization but not officially part of the armed forces.
Example: The group had a quasi-military structure for its operations.

Querulousness
Meaning: The quality of being habitually complaining or whiny.
Example: His querulousness often annoyed his friends during meetings.

Quick-fix
Meaning: A simple and temporary solution to a problem.
Example: The repair was a quick-fix, but it was clear that a more permanent solution was needed.

Qualmish
Meaning: Feeling uneasy or slightly nauseous.
Example: She felt qualmish after eating the rich dessert.

Quantified
Meaning: Measured or expressed in numerical terms.
Example: The success of the project was quantified through detailed metrics.

Qualitatively
Meaning: In terms of quality or nature rather than quantity.
Example: The study assessed the project’s impact qualitatively rather than quantitatively.

Quipster
Meaning: A person who makes witty remarks or quips.
Example: Known as a quipster, he was always ready with a clever comment.

Quenchless
Meaning: Impossible to extinguish or satisfy.
Example: Her quenchless curiosity drove her to explore every possibility.

Questing
Meaning: The act of seeking or searching for something.
Example: The adventurers were questing for the lost city of gold.

Quick-tongued
Meaning: Able to speak quickly and effectively.
Example: The politician was known for his quick-tongued responses during debates.

Quadrupedal
Meaning: Using all four limbs for movement.
Example: Many animals are quadrupedal, including dogs and horses.

Quotational
Meaning: Pertaining to quotations or the act of quoting.
Example: The author provided a quotational analysis of various famous speeches.

Quasi-mystical
Meaning: Resembling or having characteristics of mysticism but not fully mystical.
Example: The novel had a quasi-mystical tone, blending reality with fantastical elements.

Quadruplicity
Meaning: The state of being fourfold or consisting of four parts.
Example: The project involved a quadruplicity of phases, each crucial to the overall success.

Quasiparticle
Meaning: An entity used to describe collective excitations in a material that behave like particles.
Example: Scientists studied the behavior of quasiparticles to understand superconductivity.

Quill
Meaning: A writing instrument made from a feather or a decorative element resembling such a pen.
Example: The old manuscript was written with a quill and ink.

Questioning
Meaning: The act of asking questions or expressing doubt.
Example: Her questioning attitude during the interview showed her deep interest in the subject.

Quiescence
Meaning: A state of inactivity or dormancy.
Example: The volcano remained in a state of quiescence for decades before its sudden eruption.

Quick-change
Meaning: The ability to change quickly or the act of doing so.
Example: The actor performed a quick-change act, transforming costumes in seconds.

Quivering
Meaning: Shaking or trembling with slight, rapid movements.
Example: The leaves were quivering in the breeze.

Quadrilateral
Meaning: A four-sided polygon.
Example: The shape of the park was designed as a quadrilateral to maximize space.

Quicksand
Meaning: A soft, loose, and easily yielding sand that can trap objects or people.
Example: They were cautious while crossing the swamp to avoid getting stuck in the quicksand.

Quadrupedal
Meaning: Using all four limbs for movement.
Example: The cheetah is a quadrupedal animal, known for its speed.

Quiescently
Meaning: In a manner that is calm or inactive.
Example: The lake lay quiescently under the evening sky, reflecting the tranquil scene.

Quackery
Meaning: The practice of fraudulent or unqualified medical treatment.
Example: The patient was warned against the quackery of the so-called miracle cures.

Querying
Meaning: The act of asking questions or inquiring about something.
Example: She spent hours querying the database for relevant information.

Quidditch
Meaning: A fictional sport in the Harry Potter series played on flying broomsticks.
Example: The team practiced for weeks to prepare for the Quidditch championship.

Quasi-legal
Meaning: Resembling legal practices but not officially sanctioned by law.
Example: The quasi-legal status of the business left it in a gray area regarding regulations.

Quantifier
Meaning: A term used in logic and mathematics to express the quantity of elements.
Example: In the statement “Some students passed the exam,” “some” is a quantifier.

Quirksome
Meaning: Characterized by peculiar or unusual traits.
Example: His quirksome habits made him a fascinating person to observe.

Quantitatively
Meaning: In terms of quantity or measurement.
Example: The data was analyzed quantitatively to determine its impact.

Quarrelers
Meaning: People who engage in arguments or disputes.
Example: The quarrelers eventually reached a compromise after lengthy negotiations.

Quasi-experimental
Meaning: Research that resembles an experiment but lacks random assignment.
Example: The study used a quasi-experimental design to evaluate the intervention’s effectiveness.

Quantum-mechanics
Meaning: A branch of physics dealing with the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic levels.
Example: Quantum-mechanics theories explain phenomena that classical physics cannot.

Quintupling
Meaning: Increasing fivefold.
Example: The company’s revenue quintupling in just a year was remarkable.

Quasi-physical
Meaning: Resembling physical phenomena but not entirely physical.
Example: The concept of a quasi-physical entity helped bridge the gap between abstract and tangible ideas.

Quality-check
Meaning: The process of inspecting and ensuring the quality of products or services.
Example: A quality-check was performed to ensure the software met all performance standards.

Quasi-similar
Meaning: Almost similar but with some differences.
Example: The two designs were quasi-similar, differing only in minor details.

Quillwork
Meaning: Art made using quills or feathers, often seen in indigenous crafts.
Example: The museum displayed beautiful quillwork pieces from Native American artisans.

Quasi-economic
Meaning: Resembling economic principles but not fully adhering to them.
Example: The analysis provided a quasi-economic perspective on the market trends.

Quadruplicated
Meaning: Repeated four times.
Example: The instructions were quadruplicated to ensure that every team received a copy.

Quasi-official
Meaning: Having some, but not all, characteristics of an official status.
Example: The organization operated in a quasi-official capacity while awaiting formal recognition.

Quincentenary
Meaning: The 500th anniversary of an event.
Example: The quincentenary celebration marked 500 years since the explorer’s discovery.

Quintessence
Meaning: The most perfect or typical example of a quality or class.
Example: The novel is considered the quintessence of 19th-century literature.

Quadrupedalism
Meaning: The condition or practice of moving on all four limbs.
Example: Quadrupedalism is common among many mammals, including dogs and horses.

Quantifiable
Meaning: Able to be measured or expressed in numerical terms.
Example: The results of the experiment were quantifiable and easily analyzed.

Quadrature
Meaning: The process of determining the area of a shape or solving a specific type of problem in mathematics.
Example: Quadrature methods are used in numerical integration techniques.

Quick-silver
Meaning: Another term for mercury, a liquid metal.
Example: Quick-silver has unique properties that make it useful in scientific instruments.

Quasi-regular
Meaning: Almost regular but with some irregularities.
Example: The pattern was quasi-regular, showing some deviations from uniformity.

Quarantines
Meaning: Periods or places of isolation to prevent the spread of disease.
Example: The outbreak led to strict quarantines to control its spread.

Quickenings
Meaning: The act of making something faster or more active, or the fetal movements felt by a pregnant woman.
Example: The quickenings of the project deadlines led to a more intense work schedule.

Quiveringly
Meaning: In a manner that involves trembling or shaking slightly.
Example: She spoke quiveringly, unable to hide her nervousness.

Quickest
Meaning: The fastest or most rapid.
Example: The quickest route to the city center was through the main highway.

Qualms
Meaning: Feelings of unease or doubt about a situation.
Example: He had qualms about accepting the job offer due to its demanding hours.

Quasi-public
Meaning: Resembling a public entity but not fully public in nature.
Example: The quasi-public organization operated with some government funding but was privately run.

Quotients
Meaning: The result of dividing one number by another.
Example: In the equation, the quotients of the division were used to solve the problem.

Quirkily
Meaning: In a peculiar or unconventional manner.
Example: She dressed quirkily, with mismatched patterns and bright colors.

Quintuples
Meaning: Fivefold increases or groups of five.
Example: The company’s sales quintuples over the year were impressive.

Quasi-mythical
Meaning: Almost mythical but not fully so.
Example: The creature was described as quasi-mythical, with a blend of legend and reality.

Quizzes
Meaning: Short tests or assessments to evaluate knowledge.
Example: The teacher used quizzes to regularly check the students’ understanding of the material.

Quixotry
Meaning: Idealistic and impractical behavior, often in pursuit of impossible goals.
Example: His quixotry led him to undertake projects that were ambitious but unrealistic.

Quicker
Meaning: More rapid or fast compared to something else.
Example: The new software made the data processing quicker.

Quiddities
Meaning: The inherent nature or essence of something; subtle distinctions.
Example: Philosophers debated the quiddities of human existence.

Qualifiers
Meaning: Words or phrases that modify or limit the meaning of another word.
Example: In grammar, qualifiers like “very” or “slightly” adjust the intensity of adjectives.

Quasi-formal
Meaning: Partially formal, with some characteristics of formality.
Example: The dress code was quasi-formal, requiring business casual attire for the event.

Quirks
Meaning: Unusual or peculiar traits or behaviors.
Example: His quirks included a fascination with collecting antique keys.

Quiver
Meaning: A container for arrows or a slight trembling motion.
Example: The archer carried a quiver full of arrows on his back.

Quoits
Meaning: A game where metal rings are thrown at a stake, or the rings used in this game.
Example: The team played quoits at the summer picnic, aiming to ring the stake.

Quests
Meaning: Searches or journeys undertaken to achieve a goal or find something valuable.
Example: The hero embarked on quests to uncover ancient secrets and save the realm.

Intermediate Words That Start With Q