1
a
: to a very noticeable degree or extent : very
Note: Quite is a more forceful word than fairly but it is a less forceful word than extremely. It is used more often in British English than in U.S. English, but it is not an unusual or rare word in U.S. English.
b
—used to make a statement more forceful
I quite liked/enjoyed the music.
"We're sorry for the trouble." "That's quite all right."
The work has value in itself, quite apart from the good effects it produces.
I haven't seen her for quite some time. [=a long period of time]
I decided I had heard quite enough.
It was quite something [=a major event] for a small-town boy to be interviewed for the national news.
—often used with a, an, or the before a nounShe is quite a beauty. [=she's very beautiful]
The news was quite a shock. [=the news was very shocking]
My promotion was quite a surprise.
We had quite a lot of food at the dinner party.
It was quite an eventful week.
We were in line for quite a while.
She has made quite a career for herself. [=she has had a very successful career]
The award is quite an honor. [=is a very impressive honor]
2
: completely or entirely
"Are you quite finished?" "Not quite."
We quite agree.
I am quite capable of doing it myself, thank you.
They assured me that I was quite mistaken.
Something wasn't quite right.
We hadn't quite made up our minds.
She's quite right, you know.
I quite forgot your birthday.
3
: exactly or precisely
No one realized quite what was happening.
Quite why he left is unclear.
That is not quite what I said.
4
British
—used to express agreement
"We need to let children be children." "Quite."
"There is little violence in his films." "Quite so."
"They have no one but themselves to blame." "Quite right."
Cite this Entry
“Quite.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/quite. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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