Quite

Quite

A general term that means ‘kind of’.

Example Sentences

"That's a proper Quite, that is."
"I've never seen such a Quite in all my life."

Etymology & History

British qualifier with dual meaning causing American confusion. Can mean 'completely' (quite certain) or 'somewhat' (quite nice), depending on stress and context. From Latin 'quietus' via Old French. British use both meanings, Americans primarily 'somewhat'. The ambiguity is characteristically British understatement.

Word Details

📍
Region
General British
📅
Era
Modern
Language
Mild
💬
Formality
Informal
Categories:

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Anglotopia's Dictionary of British English 2nd Edition

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