What Does ‘Quite’ Mean?
The word ‘quite’ is an adverb that modifies adjectives and sometimes verbs. It generally means ‘to a certain degree’ or ‘completely’, but the degree of emphasis can vary. The main difference in its use comes from British and American English interpretations.
‘Quite’ in British English
In British English, ‘quite’ often means ‘fairly’ or ‘somewhat’. It tends to soften the adjective it modifies, suggesting that something is true to a moderate extent but not extremely so. For example:
- That film was quite good. (It was good, but not excellent.)
- She’s quite tired after the journey. (She’s somewhat tired, but not exhausted.)
However, when ‘quite’ is used with certain adjectives—usually ‘strong’ adjectives such as ‘amazing’, ‘fantastic’, or ‘impossible’—it can mean ‘completely’ or ‘absolutely’:
- The show was quite fantastic. (Absolutely fantastic.)
- That’s quite impossible. (Completely impossible.)
This subtle difference often confuses learners, as the intended meaning relies on both the adjective’s intensity and context.
Summary Table: British English
| Adjective Type | Meaning of ‘Quite’ | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary (gradable) adjective | Fairly, somewhat | It’s quite cold today. (Somewhat cold) |
| Strong (non-gradable) adjective | Completely, absolutely | This is quite perfect. (Absolutely perfect) |
‘Quite’ in American English
In American English, ‘quite’ is typically used to mean ‘very’ or ‘completely’, giving the adjective a stronger emphasis than in British English. For example:
- That movie was quite good. (Very good, close to excellent.)
- She’s quite tired after the trip. (Very tired, possibly exhausted.)
Unlike British English, Americans rarely use ‘quite’ in a way that means ‘fairly’ or ‘somewhat’. For most Americans, saying something is ‘quite nice’ means it is very nice, not just moderately so.
Summary Table: American English
| Adjective Type | Meaning of ‘Quite’ | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Any adjective | Very, completely | The food was quite delicious. (Very delicious) |
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Assuming ‘quite’ always means ‘very’: In British English, this is often not the case with ordinary adjectives. Always consider the context and adjective type.
- Overusing ‘quite’: Because of its subtlety, ‘quite’ can sound vague or even sarcastic if used too often, especially in British English.
- Misunderstanding compliments: If a British person says, “Your English is quite good,” they may mean it’s good, but not excellent. An American saying the same usually means it’s very good.
Practical Tips for Learners
- Pay attention to the adjective being modified. Is it a ‘strong’ or ‘ordinary’ adjective?
- Listen to native speakers in context, such as on Talkpal or in English-language media, to get a feel for the nuance.
- When in doubt, choose a different word like ‘very’, ‘fairly’, or ‘somewhat’ to avoid ambiguity.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of ‘quite’ in British and American English will help you communicate more precisely and understand native speakers better. Being aware of these regional differences is essential for anyone learning English, whether for travel, study, or conversation. Keep practicing, pay attention to context, and make use of language learning tools like Talkpal to refine your skills. With time and attention to detail, you’ll soon use ‘quite’ with confidence and clarity.
