What does quite mean?
Quite is an adverb whose meaning depends heavily on context. It commonly indicates a moderate or considerable degree, as in 'quite difficult,' where it often means 'fairly' or 'rather.' In other constructions it can be emphatic and mean 'absolutely' or 'entirely,' especially in British English and informal speech: 'The performance was quite brilliant.' A sentence such as 'I am quite sure' normally communicates strong confidence rather than a merely partial degree. Quite can also precede a noun, forming a phrase such as 'quite a surprise,' or follow 'not' to signal that something is almost but not exactly the case. Because of this flexibility, quite can soften a statement, strengthen it, or introduce qualification. It is a highly useful word in precise writing because it allows speakers to express degrees without relying only on stronger forms such as very and completely.
adverbTo a certain or considerable extent; completely or entirely, especially in contexts where the degree is limited or emphatic. It can also mean somewhat, depending on the sentence and tone.
- To a considerable extent; somewhat or fairly.
- Completely or entirely, especially in informal or emphatic constructions.
"The journey was quite long, but the view from the summit was worth it."
"She found the novel quite enjoyable and finished it in a weekend."
"The situation was quite unusual, and nobody could explain it."
"The noise stopped quite suddenly."
Quite is famously flexible: it can mean 'absolutely' in one sentence and only 'somewhat' in the next.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does quite come from?
Quite entered Middle English in the sense 'completely' or 'entirely.' It developed through Old French quit, from the Latin quiētus, meaning 'at rest,' 'still,' or 'settled,' whose root also underlies quiet and quit. Over time, the adjective or adverb came to be used for degree, particularly for an extent that is complete in itself or more than expected.
How quite is actually used
Quite is common in everyday British and American English. Its force ranges from 'somewhat' to 'completely' according to context, tone, and the words around it; 'quite' before an adjective often means 'fairly,' while phrases such as 'quite finished' can mean 'completely finished.'
Easily confused with quite
Quite means to a considerable extent or somewhat, whereas quiet means making little or no noise.