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

"In science fiction, people have been living with these ideas for quite a long time," he said.

From BBC

"I do tend to buy flowers quite a lot," he says, "be it for my friends - or for my girl."

From BBC

But Skinner said his side's display at the Progress With Unity Stadium - where Chelsea clinched last season's title - proved the Blues won't have it quite as easy this time around.

From BBC

“She’s beloved and she has worked for that. And that was also important for this because I’m asking the viewer to go places with this character that get quite dark, that get uncomfortable.”

From Los Angeles Times

No, no, I hear you say, don’t give up quite so soon.

From Los Angeles Times

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.