Quite: meaning, definitions and examples

😊
Add to dictionary

quite

 

[ kwaɪt ]

Adverb / Adjective
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adverb

in a degree or extent

To the utmost or most absolute extent or degree; absolutely; completely. To a certain or fairly significant extent or degree; fairly. To a fair degree; moderately.

Synonyms

absolutely, completely, fairly, moderately

Examples of usage

  • I'm quite tired after the long journey.
  • The weather is quite nice today.
  • She was quite upset about the news.
  • The movie was quite entertaining.
  • The job was quite challenging but rewarding.
Context #2 | Adjective

fairly or moderately

To the utmost or most absolute extent or degree; absolutely; completely. Fairly or moderately.

Synonyms

fairly, moderately, reasonably, relatively

Examples of usage

  • She's quite tall for her age.
  • The exam was quite difficult but manageable.
  • He's quite a good cook.
  • The dress is quite expensive but worth it.
  • The book was quite interesting.
Context #3 | Adjective

used to express surprise or disbelief

Used to express mild surprise or disbelief. To a noticeable or significant extent.

Synonyms

amazingly, astonishingly, remarkably, surprisingly

Examples of usage

  • That's quite a view!
  • You're quite the artist!
  • It's quite a story!
  • She's quite the character!
  • He's quite a musician!

Translations

Translations of the word "quite" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bastante

🇮🇳 काफी

🇩🇪 ziemlich

🇮🇩 cukup

🇺🇦 досить

🇵🇱 całkiem

🇯🇵 かなり

🇫🇷 assez

🇪🇸 bastante

🇹🇷 oldukça

🇰🇷 

🇸🇦 تمامًا

🇨🇿 docela

🇸🇰 celkom

🇨🇳 相当

🇸🇮 dokaj

🇮🇸 alveg

🇰🇿 әжептәуір

🇬🇪 საკმაოდ

🇦🇿 xeyli

🇲🇽 bastante

Etymology

The word 'quite' originated in Middle English from the Old French word 'quitte', meaning 'free, clear, released'. Over time, its meaning evolved to refer to a degree or extent. In modern usage, 'quite' is commonly used to emphasize a certain quality or characteristic of something. Its versatility in expressing different levels of intensity has made it a popular adverb and adjective in the English language.

Word Frequency Rank

With position #374, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.