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

Observing the scene in the hall, I found the applause quite chilling.

From BBC

Remembering my conversation with Hopper while watching his sentencing on Thursday, it was clear that as a journalist you never quite know where a story will take you.

From BBC

But she says results are also quite easy to fake, pointing to a 2019 probe by US authorities into a sunscreen testing laboratory which resulted in the owner being jailed for fraud.

From BBC

But the movie stays in that postcard allure, never quite edging its earnest expressions of desire and anxiety into anything more stakes-driven or detailed, the way a love letter might rattle and console simultaneously.

From Los Angeles Times

Jones described Maeve as tough and unapologetic, but she thinks of herself quite differently: “I’m a little bit of a people pleaser, as most Brits are,” she said.

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.