quite Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adverb to a degree (not used with a negative)
    rather.
    • quite tasty
    • quite soon
    • quite ill
    • quite rich
  2. adverb to the greatest extent; completely
    • you're quite right
    • she was quite alone
    • was quite mistaken
    • quite the opposite
    • not quite finished
    • did not quite make it
  3. adverb of an unusually noticeable or exceptional or remarkable kind (not used with a negative)
    quite an; quite a.
    • her victory was quite something
    • she's quite a girl
    • quite a film
    • quite a walk
    • we've had quite an afternoon
  4. adverb actually or truly or to an extreme
    • was quite a sudden change
    • it's quite the thing to do
    • quite the rage
    • Quite so!

WordNet

Quite transitive verb & intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. See Quit. Obs. Chaucer.
Quite adverb
Etymology
F. quite discharged, free, clear; cf. OF. quitement freely, frankly, entirely. See Quit, a.
Definitions
  1. Completely; wholly; entirely; totally; perfectly; as, the work is not quite done; the object is quite accomplished; to be quite mistaken.
    Man shall not quite be lost, but saved who will. Milton.
    The same actions may be aimed at different ends, and arise from quite contrary principles. Spectator.
  2. To a great extent or degree; very; very much; considerably. "Quite amusing." Macaulay.
    He really looks quite concerned. Landor.
    The island stretches along the land and is quite close to it. Jowett (Thucyd. ).

Webster 1913