26984 words

quite

10 definitions • 24 examples
1

Examples:

The two situations are quite different.
The colours almost match but not quite.
I enjoyed her new book though it's not quite as good as her last one.
UK formal Are you quite sure you want to go?
Quite honestly/frankly, the thought of it terrified me.
2
used to express that you are not certain about something:

Examples:

I don't quite know what to say.
3
used to show agreement with someone's opinion:

Examples:

"You'd think he could spare some money - he's not exactly poor." "Quite."
4
used to emphasize the degree or amount of something, or to say that someone or something is impressive, interesting, or unusual:

Examples:

They have been working on this for quite some time.
5
used for emphasis:

Examples:

It was quite the worst dinner I have ever had.
6
a little or a lot but not completely:

Examples:

I'm quite tired but I can certainly walk a little further.
There was quite a lot of traffic today but yesterday was even busier.
It was quite a difficult job.
He's quite attractive but not what I'd call gorgeous.
It would be quite a nuisance to write to everyone.
7
to a large degree:

Examples:

School is quite different from what it once was.
8
Quite a is used before some nouns to emphasize the large number, amount, or size of the subject referred to:

Examples:

We’ve had quite a lot of rain this year.
There were quite a few (= a lot) of people waiting in line.
She had quite a bit (= a lot) to say to him when he finally showed up.
I hadn’t seen Rebecca in quite a while (= for a long time).
9

Examples:

Quite frankly, the thought of performing terrifies me.
I’m not quite done yet.
I’m not quite sure I understand.
10
really or truly:

Examples:

Winning this contest was quite an accomplishment.
It was quite a remarkable speech.

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