quite
Americanadverb
-
completely, wholly, or entirely.
quite the reverse;
not quite finished.
-
actually, really, or truly.
quite a sudden change.
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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
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(not used with a negative) to a noticeable or partial extent; somewhat
she's quite pretty
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in actuality; truly
he thought the bag was heavy, but it was quite light
it's quite the thing to do
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(not used with a negative) of an exceptional, considerable, or noticeable kind
quite a girl
quite a long walk
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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
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.
The toilet is in a small cubicle that's quite loud; the astronauts need to wear ear protection when they use it.
From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026
In PowerWash Simulator's case that means cleaning through one mucky area - say, a fun house or a roller disco - after another; quite literally rinse and repeat.
From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026
A new edition offers American readers a fresh opportunity to encounter this erudite, deliciously dark narrative about growing older but not quite wiser.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026
Though the state of California has never taken on a role quite like this before, the idea rhymes with other policies at both the state and federal level.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026
He did not know if he quite believed that, for the unkindness with which he’d seen himself could not be undone in a day.
From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman
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.
