What does quitted mean?
“Quitted” is the past tense and past participle of the verb quit. It can mean leaving a job, organization, place, or activity, as in “She quitted her position after ten years.” It can also mean stopping a habitual activity, such as quitting smoking, or abandoning an attempt, claim, or pursuit. The form is recognized in both British and American English, but modern usage often favors “quit” for nearly all of these meanings. “Quitted” nevertheless remains standard and is especially common in formal, traditional, and British contexts. Its meanings can carry different connotations: leaving employment is neutral or factual, while abandoning an activity may suggest frustration, failure, or a deliberate withdrawal. The word is most useful in writing that adopts a formal register or preserves a traditional grammatical form.
verbThe past tense and past participle of quit, meaning to leave a place, position, or activity; stop doing something; or give up a claim or pursuit.
- Left a place, occupation, organization, or activity.
- Stopped doing something, especially a habit or pursuit.
- Gave up a claim, attempt, or responsibility.
"After several years with the company, she quitted her job to pursue a career in design."
"The actor quitted the stage after completing his final performance."
"He quitted competing in the tournament after realizing he could no longer manage the schedule."
Both “quit” and “quitted” are established forms, but “quit” is the usual choice in modern American English, while “quitted” remains common in formal and British usage.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does quitted come from?
The verb ultimately comes through Old French from Latin quittere, meaning to rest, be quiet, or leave. In English, it developed the senses of leaving, giving up, and stopping. “Quitted” is the traditional past-tense and past-participle form, although the shorter form “quit” now serves both functions in much modern usage. Related French and English words such as quittance and acquit reflect the same broader history of ending an obligation or releasing someone from a charge.
Related word forms
How quitted is actually used
“Quitted” is fully standard but less common than “quit” in contemporary American English. It is especially associated with British, formal, and traditional usage, though the distinction is not absolute.
Easily confused with quitted
“Quitted” is the past tense of quit, meaning to leave or stop, whereas a quilt is a cover made from layered and stitched fabric.