American Dictionary
Definition quite in American English
quite
adverb, predeterminer
What are red words?
Around 90% of spoken and written English relies on just 7,500 common words.
These words are highlighted in red and are ranked using a star system.
- One-star words are commonly used
- Two-star words are even more common
- Three-star words are the most frequently used
adverb, predeterminer
What are red words?
Around 90% of spoken and written English relies on just 7,500 common words.These words are highlighted in red and are ranked using a star system.
- One-star words are commonly used
- Two-star words are even more common
- Three-star words are the most frequently used
Quite can be used in the following ways:
as an adverb (before an adjective or adverb): I was quite angry with her. (before a verb): I quite agree with you.I can’t quite decide which dress to wear today.
as a predeterminer (followed by “a/an” and a noun): I was taking quite a risk when I decided to talk to him. (followed by “the” and a noun): She’s quite the little comedian.
Differences between American and British English: quite
When American speakers say quite, they usually mean “very”: We’ve examined the figures quite thoroughly. In British English quite usually means “fairly”: The movie was quite enjoyable, although some of the acting was weak. Speakers of British English sometimes use quite to mean “very,” but only before words with an extreme meaning: The whole experience was quite amazing.
I don't quite understand the problem.
"Are you ready?" "Not quite."
very
The organizers have achieved something quite extraordinary.
The hotel was dirty and the food was quite disgusting.
