A1adverb1K

Quite

UK /["/kwaɪt/"]/US /["/kwaɪt/"]/

Definition

to some degree

In simple words: To a significant degree or extent; very.

Examples

  • She was quite happy with her exam results.
  • This book is quite interesting and engaging.
  • The weather was quite nice for a picnic.
  • He was quite surprised by the news.
  • It is quite cold outside, so dress warmly.
  • The movie was quite long and a bit dull.
  • She speaks English quite well for a beginner.
  • I find mathematics quite challenging.

Usage notes

Use 'quite' to emphasize an adjective or another adverb. It's often more at home in British English; in American English, 'really' can be more common in casual speech. Avoid using it in overly formal contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone adverb

Memory hint

Think of 'quite' as 'quite a lot' – it emphasizes how much.

Collocations

  • quite a bit
  • quite interesting
  • quite sure
  • quite different
  • quite happy

Synonyms

  • fairly, pretty
  • completely, absolutely, entirely

Antonyms

  • not very
  • somewhat

Common mistakes

  • 'Quite' is often confused with 'quiet' — make sure you understand the difference.
  • Using 'quite' to mean 'totally' in informal American contexts can sound odd.
  • Placing 'quite' before the verb instead of before the adjective/adverb may cause confusion.