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Quite: meaning, definitions and examples

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quite

 

[kwaɪt ]

Definitions

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
quite

used to indicate a high degree, often combined with positive or impressive descriptions

  • The painting is quite beautiful
  • He is quite tall
completely

used to indicate something is done in full or entirety, often with tasks or emotional states

  • The room was completely silent
  • I completely forgot about the meeting
absolutely

used to express something to the fullest extent, often combined with strong positive or negative statements

  • I am absolutely certain that he is the one
  • The show was absolutely amazing
fairly

used to indicate a moderate or slight degree, often combined with neutral or mild positive descriptions

  • The test was fairly easy
  • She is fairly tall
moderately

used to describe something that is average or at a middle level, usually in formal or neutral situations

  • He is moderately interested in the project
  • The weather has been moderately warm

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
quite

Used when emphasizing a considerable degree or extent; can indicate a stronger feeling than 'fairly' or 'reasonably'.

  • She is quite talented in painting.
  • The movie was quite interesting.
fairly

Indicates a more modest or moderate level, usually suggesting something is more than 'slightly' but less than 'very'.

  • The weather is fairly good today.
  • He's fairly confident about his presentation.
moderately

Used to describe something that is within a middle range, not extreme in any way.

  • She is moderately interested in sports.
  • The task was moderately difficult.
reasonably

Refers to something that can be done or achieved without too much difficulty; often implies practicality and fairness.

  • The price of the house is reasonably low.
  • She could reasonably finish her work by Friday.
relatively

Used when comparing something to another thing and indicates that the level or degree is somewhat significant but only in comparison.

  • He is relatively new to the team.
  • The test was relatively easy compared to the last one.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
quite

Used to emphasize the degree or extent of something, often in a more neutral or understated way. It can also mean 'fairly' or 'to some extent'.

  • The movie was quite good.
  • She is quite talented in painting.
surprisingly

Used to indicate that something is unexpected or surprising. It often implies that the speaker did not anticipate the situation.

  • Surprisingly, the store was open on the holiday.
  • He was surprisingly calm during the crisis.
remarkably

Used when something is extraordinary or worthy of attention. It often points out something impressive or unusual.

  • She performed remarkably well on her exams.
  • It was a remarkably sunny day for this time of year.
astonishingly

Used to describe something that is so surprising that it seems hard to believe. Often implies an element of disbelief.

  • Astonishingly, he solved the complex problem in minutes.
  • The magician's trick was astonishingly real.
amazingly

Used to describe something that is so remarkable that it evokes a feeling of great surprise or wonder.

  • Amazingly, he finished the marathon in under three hours.
  • The view from the top of the mountain was amazingly beautiful.

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!

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 'Quite' comes from the Old English 'cwita', meaning 'completely' or 'entirely'.
  • In the early 19th century, 'quite' evolved to convey a more moderate degree rather than totality.
  • The word has roots in the Latin 'quietus', which means resting or at peace, relating to its soft usage in conversation.

Linguistics

  • In British English, 'quite' can mean 'very', while in American English, it often means 'rather' or 'somewhat'.
  • 'Quite' is often used to soften statements, making them seem more polite or less forceful in conversation.
  • It functions differently in various dialects, showcasing the richness and diversity of English language use.

Cultural Usage

  • In British culture, saying something is 'quite good' often implies it’s better than average, yet not excellent.
  • The phrase 'quite the adventure' is common in literature, emphasizing a journey that is interesting but not necessarily full of extreme events.
  • In the context of social interactions, 'quite' is frequently used to convey agreement without strong enthusiasm.

Psychology

  • 'Quite' reflects cognitive responses; people may resort to it to express uncertainty or to gauge reactions before committing to a stronger opinion.
  • The use of 'quite' can impact perception; it softens criticism and makes advice sound more appealing or agreeable.
  • Filler phrases like 'quite interesting' can help ease into difficult conversations, showcasing a blend of both politeness and assertiveness.

Literature

  • Writers often use 'quite' to create layers of meaning; it can suggest contradiction, as in 'it's quite the opposite'.
  • Classic literature often highlights the ambiguity of 'quite', forcing readers to examine context to determine its intensity.
  • Poets utilize 'quite' for rhythm and emphasis, often placing it in positions that guide the emotional response of the reader.

Translations

Translations of the word "quite" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bastante

🇮🇳 काफी

🇩🇪 ziemlich

🇮🇩 cukup

🇺🇦 досить

🇵🇱 całkiem

🇯🇵 かなり

🇫🇷 assez

🇪🇸 bastante

🇹🇷 oldukça

🇰🇷 꽤

🇸🇦 تمامًا

🇨🇿 docela

🇸🇰 celkom

🇨🇳 相当

🇸🇮 dokaj

🇮🇸 alveg

🇰🇿 әжептәуір

🇬🇪 საკმაოდ

🇦🇿 xeyli

🇲🇽 bastante

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.