quite
/kwʌɪt
/adverb [usually as submodifier]
1To the utmost or most absolute extent or degree; absolutely; completely: it’s quite out of the question are you quite certain about this? this is quite a different problem I quite agree quite frankly, I don’t blame you...
- These people have absolutely no power in it and quite frankly I think it's a waste of time.
- He is one of the richest characters in the whole of the Wodehouse creation, absolutely rounded and quite without flaw.
- Here the facts are quite complex and quite different from the residential construction cases.
Synonyms
completely, fully, entirely, totally, wholly, absolutely, utterly, outright, thoroughly, altogether, in every respect, in all respects, without reservation, without exception
1.1US Very; really (used as an intensifier): ‘You’ve no intention of coming back?’ ‘I’m quite sorry, but no, I have not.’...
- The shadow effects and lighting are quite intense here, and it did put a burden on the card.
- That is why we took quite seriously these particular clauses with regard to biosecurity, and we do so now.
- We all know how dangerous a hot car can be for an animal - the risk of death is quite real.
1.2West Indian All the way: dresses quite from Port of Spain
2To a certain or fairly significant extent or degree; fairly: it’s quite warm outside he’s quite an attractive man...
- It is quite warm outside under the canopy as well, with a very effective heater thoughtfully placed there.
- It's still fairly big and quite bulky but we're gradually getting there.
- We have invested quite a significant amount of money into the Scottish whisky industry.
Synonyms
fairly, rather, somewhat, a bit, a little, slightly, relatively, comparatively, moderately, after a fashion, reasonably, to some extent/degree, to a certain extent
informal pretty, kind of, sort of, ish
exclamation
(also quite so) Expressing agreement with or understanding of a remark or statement: ‘I don’t want to talk about that now.’ ‘Quite’...
- His most recent album is best described by Albini himself: ‘Nick Drake fronting Black Sabbath, if Black Sabbath played only the good parts of their songs’. Quite!
- ‘Lovely evening, isn't it?’ ‘Quite,’ he replied.
- ‘They don't really have any choice.’ ‘Quite so, but that's not exactly a democratic attitude, is it?’
Phrases
not quite
not quite the thing
quite a —— (also often ironic quite the ——)
quite a few
quite a lot (or a bit)
quite some
quite something
Origin
Middle English: from the obsolete adjective quite, variant of quit1.