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
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(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
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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.
"I talked to a lot of people and had quite a bit of fun."
From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026
“Sentiment is beginning to get quite ugly,” write consumer analysts at Jefferies, including Blake Anderson on Thursday, calling the firm’s latest consumer survey data a “flight to pessimism.”
From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026
The scene originally had Peet’s character being recognized by someone who awkwardly can’t quite place her.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026
A long history of art robberies shows that museums may never quite be able to shut out thieves.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026
I stopped to listen, to be quite sure my ears were not playing tricks on me.
From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo
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.
