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

Lee isn’t quite the shadow version of Rick; let’s call him a contrast.

From Salon

"I think that the added pressure of being a Traitor, just keeping that facade up the whole time, would be incredibly exhausting and quite stressful," he said.

From BBC

I had not seen another person for quite a while as I biked deeper into the hinterlands of the island, connecting to East End Light Road.

From Los Angeles Times

"It's quite sad because I am having to explain why I deserve a place on the football field for being who I am as a person," he says.

From BBC

He said the iPad had been on the passengers' seat and he that he had lost "quite a lot" of the book.

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.