qualifier
UK: /ˈkwɒl.ɪ.faɪ.ər/ | US: /ˈkwɑː.lə.faɪ.ər/
n. a word or phrase that modifies or limits the meaning of another word (e.g., "very" in "very tall")
n. a person or team that qualifies for a competition or stage of a competition
n. (linguistics) a grammatical element that specifies or restricts the reference of a noun
The word "qualifier" traces back to Latin qualis (meaning "of what kind") combined with -ficare (a verb-forming suffix meaning "to make"). Over time, the verb "qualify" emerged in Middle English via Old French qualifier, meaning "to describe or modify." The noun "qualifier" later developed to denote an agent or element that modifies or meets a standard. The suffix -ier reinforces its role as an active participant (e.g., one who qualifies or a word that modifies).
In "some students," the word "some" acts as a qualifier.
She finished third in the race, securing her position as a qualifier for the finals.
Adjectives often serve as qualifiers in noun phrases.
The team became the first qualifier from their region.
His hesitant tone was a qualifier to his otherwise confident statement.