Quite is used to emphasize how someone feels about something, or the the extent of something. It does this with three different meanings. It can be used to emphasize that something is to the utmost, or the most absolute extent. It means that something is absolutely or definitely the way that the person is saying it is.
However just because someone says that something is absolutely a certain way, doesn’t mean that is has to be a true statement. In other words, using the word quite does not make something a fact.
However it is a way for someone to emphasize what they are saying. It’s important to note that the word doesn’t really have a specific meaning other than to emphasise that someone really means what they are saying. This usage of the word can often be substituted for completely or absolutely.
- This is quite ridiculous, I can’t believe what I’m hearing you say.
- Witnessing a robbery in a convenience store was the scariest moment of my life. I was quite terrified.
Synonyms and Antonyms for Quite
There are many synonyms for this definition of quite, here are some of the most common.
Completely- can usually be used in place of quite. It means that totally, utterly, or 100 percent. Completely encompasses everything. In the two sentences below completely and quite are interchangeable. The word totally, which has the same meaning as completely can also be used in the sentences below.
- Thank you for the compliment, I am completely flattered.
- I am completely finished, I will never speak to him again.
Entirely- refers to something being completely or totally. It can also be used to emphasize something, and as a synonym to this usage of quite it usually is an amplifier . Entirely is often used to describe a situation.
- Things got entirely out of control last night at the bar.
- The company determined that it had spent entirely too much money on food for employees last year.
Here are some antonyms for this usage of quite.
Partial- refers to something being incomplete or not all encompassing or fully. It refers to being only a part of something.
- The investigators could only find a partial fingerprint at the crime scene.
- The hotel room only has a partial kitchen.
Quite can also refer to the extent of something. When quite is used in this way, it means that something is to a significant extent, or degree.
When something is significant it is often being compared to other things. For example if one says, “the weather is quite warm”, it means it’s warm compared to other days. When this word is used it means that something is a lot, not a little. This word can easily be substituted for a word like very or fairly. It can be used when something is positive or negative.
- That roller coaster was quite scary, but I still want to go again.
- That’s quite a big box you have there, what’s in it?
Synonyms and Antonyms for Quite
Here are some synonyms for this definition of quite.
Relatively- speaks to something being in relation to something else. In other words two or more things are being compared. It also speaks to two or more things being in proportion to each other.
- Today is relatively warm, considering the time of year that it is.
- Relatively speaking she’s not nearly as incompetent as her co-workers.
Fairly- means that something is being described as being a high degree. Fairly is also often used in a comparative or relative sense. For example if someone says, “it’s fairly warm outside” that means it warm, especially comparatively speaking.
- It was fairly remarkable that she did so well despite having been injured recently.
- This job is fairly difficult, but I think you can do it.
Here are some antonyms for this usage of quite.
A little- means that there is a small amount of something. Usually when “a little” is used it is being used in relative terms.
- It’s a little warm today.
- I just want a little bit of time to look things over.
Sort of- means to some extent. It is used in relative terms, but the amount of something is intentionally not clear.
- Is it hot outside? Sort of.
- I’m getting sort of tired of this, but I’m not sure if I’m ready to leave.
Quite can also be used as a way for someone to say that they agree with something that has just been said. This is particularly used in Britain.
In addition to meaning that one agrees with what was just said, it can also mean that they understand what was said. In this usage of this word, someone makes a statement and the second person agrees.
- That was the most incredible performance that I’ve ever seen! Quite.
- That meeting didn’t go the way I thought it would. Quite.
