quite
Americanadverb
-
completely, wholly, or entirely.
quite the reverse;
not quite finished.
-
actually, really, or truly.
quite a sudden change.
-
to a considerable extent or degree.
quite small;
quite objectionable.
adverb
-
to the greatest extent; completely or absolutely
you're quite right
quite the opposite
-
(not used with a negative) to a noticeable or partial extent; somewhat
she's quite pretty
-
in actuality; truly
he thought the bag was heavy, but it was quite light
it's quite the thing to do
-
(not used with a negative) of an exceptional, considerable, or noticeable kind
quite a girl
quite a long walk
-
a remarkable or noteworthy thing or person
Usage
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.
Etymology
Origin of quite
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
Explanation
Quite means "really," "completely," "rather," "exceptionally," or "actually." That's quite a lot of synonyms for one word! If you're quite sure, you're completely sure. If you're quite the athlete, you are exceptionally (or unusually) athletic. If it's quite cold outside, it's really cold. And if something is quite true, it actually is. Is that quite clear?
Vocabulary lists containing quite
Scrabble: Words that Begin with Q
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Selection Vocabulary 3, Unit 5
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
There is something genuinely quite heartbreaking about watching Panettiere, a young woman just coming to understand Hollywood industry standards, repeat the sickly refrains of a similarly demanding profession.
From Salon ● Aug. 18, 2026
Derek Holt, chief economist at Scotiabank, says he senses there is a “center within the committee that hasn’t quite bought the need to move.”
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 18, 2026
Banks and asset managers might be willing to extend credit to CoreWeave and other cloud-computing operations at cheaper interest rates, confident their chip collateral won’t become worthless for quite a while.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 18, 2026
It has become a familiar sight to see a Cadillac stopping with its brakes on fire - and quite often early in a race or session.
From BBC ● Aug. 18, 2026
At the top of the ridge he lifted his muzzle to catch the scent-laden winds, and again he caught it: quite close, and coming closer.
From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
