Quite: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ˜Š
Add to dictionary

quite

 

[ kwaษชt ]

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
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?

arrow down
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?

arrow down
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!

Translations

Translations of the word "quite" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น bastante

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เคพเคซเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช ziemlich

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ cukup

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะดะพัะธั‚ัŒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ caล‚kiem

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‹ใชใ‚Š

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท assez

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ bastante

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท oldukรงa

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฝค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชู…ุงู…ู‹ุง

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ docela

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ celkom

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็›ธๅฝ“

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ dokaj

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ alveg

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ำ™ะถะตะฟั‚ำ™ัƒั–ั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒแƒ™แƒ›แƒแƒแƒ“

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ xeyli

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ 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.