qualitative leap
nounEtymology 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.
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Human sciences, Philosophy, Sciences A qualitative, non-gradual change resulting from a quantitatively minor change.
- Related terms
- the straw that broke the camel's back