quite

[kwahyt]

adverb

1. completely, wholly, or entirely.

   quite the reverse;

   not quite finished.

2. actually, really, or truly.

   quite a sudden change.

3. to a considerable extent or degree.

   quite small;

   quite objectionable.

quite

/ kwaɪt /

adverb

1. to the greatest extent; completely or absolutely

   you're quite right

   quite the opposite

2. (not used with a negative) to a noticeable or partial extent; somewhat

   she's quite pretty

3. in actuality; truly

   he thought the bag was heavy, but it was quite light

   it's quite the thing to do

4. (not used with a negative) of an exceptional, considerable, or noticeable kind

   quite a girl

   quite a long walk

5. a remarkable or noteworthy thing or person

1. Also: quite so. an expression used to indicate agreement or assent

Word History and Origins

Origin of quite¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, adverb use of quit(e), a variant of quit(te) quit ¹; the meaning of the two forms was not distinct in Middle English

Word History and Origins

Origin of quite¹

C14: adverbial use of quite (adj) _quit

Example Sentences

Jones described Maeve as tough and unapologetic, but she thinks of herself quite differently: “I’m a little bit of a people pleaser, as most Brits are,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s been quite a long time together, but, yes, it is the end. Whether there are any more ‘Downton’ rip-offs or connections or whatever, I couldn’t tell you.

From Los Angeles Times

With the Ashes coming up a few weeks later, it is going to be quite hard for them to be focused on that one-day series.

From BBC

The residents - many of whom are pensioners and young families - can't quite believe what unfolded in their quiet area.

From BBC

"I think of it as paying back a little bit. I was helped out quite a lot," he added.

From BBC

Related Words

• absolutely 
• actually 
• altogether 
• entirely 
• fully 
• largely 
• perfectly 
• really 
• thoroughly 
• totally 
• truly 
• utterly 
• wholly 

When To Use

What does quite mean?

Quite can mean “completely,” “truly,” or “very,” but it is also sometimes used to mean “somewhat.”Quite can be used to intensify the meaning of some adjectives, but it can also be used to soften the meaning of others.Example: The sky is quite dreary today.