quite

quite
\ \ [14] Quite is essentially the same word as the adjective quitfree, absolved, discharged, cleared’ (which in Middle English commonly took the alternative form quite). It came to be used as an adverb meaning ‘thoroughly, clearly’.
\ \ The weaker modern sense ‘fairly’ did not develop until as recently as the mid-19th century.
\ \ Cf.QUIT

Word origins - 2ed. . 2005.

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  • quite — [ kwaıt ] function word *** Quite can be used in the following ways: as an adverb (before an adjective or adverb): I was quite angry with her. (before a verb): I quite agree with you. I can t quite decide which dress to wear today. as a… …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • quite — W1S1 [kwaıt] predeterminer, adv [Date: 1300 1400; Origin: quit, quite free of (13 19 centuries), from Old French quite; QUIT] 1.) fairly or very, but not extremely →↑pretty ▪ The food in the canteen is usually quite good. ▪ He seems quite upset… …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • quite — 1. Quite is a highly mobile word with a wide range of uses qualifying adjectives and adverbs (quite heavy / quite often), singular nouns (quite a lot), and verbs (We quite understand / I d quite like to). It causes difficulty because it has two… …   Modern English usage

  • Quite — (kw[imac]t), adv. [F. quitte discharged, free, clear; cf. OF. quitement freely, frankly, entirely. See {Quit}, a.] [1913 Webster] 1. Completely; wholly; entirely; totally; perfectly; as, the work is not quite done; the object is quite… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • quite — ► ADVERB 1) to the utmost or most absolute extent or degree; completely. 2) to a certain extent; moderately. 3) US very; really. ► EXCLAMATION (also quite so) ▪ expressing agreement. ● quite a Cf. ↑ …   English terms dictionary

  • quite — [kwīt] adv. [ME quite: see QUIT, adj.] 1. completely; entirely [not quite done] 2. really; truly; positively [quite a hero] 3. to some, or a considerable, degree or extent; very or fairly [quite warm outside] ☆ …   English World dictionary

  • quite — sustantivo masculino 1. Área: tauromáquia Acción de atraer al toro un torero para librar a otro de una situación de peligro: Cuando el banderillero estaba en el suelo, el diestro hizo un quite memorable. Frases y locuciones 1. estar al quite… …   Diccionario Salamanca de la Lengua Española

  • quite a - — (also often ironic quite the ) used to indicate that the specified person or thing is perceived as particularly notable, remarkable, or impressive quite a party, isn t it? | it s been quite a year | quite the little horsewoman, aren t you? …   Useful english dictionary

  • quite — 1. m. Acción de quitar o estorbar. 2. Esgr. Movimiento defensivo con que se detiene o evita el ofensivo. 3. Taurom. Suerte que ejecuta un torero, generalmente con el capote, para librar a otro del peligro en que se halla por la acometida del toro …   Diccionario de la lengua española

  • quite — quite, estar al quite expr. estar preparado por si hay que actuar. ❙ «El chofer, que estaba al quite, les vio por el retrovisor...» Pedro Casals, Disparando cocaína …   Diccionario del Argot "El Sohez"

  • quite — quite; mes·quite; re·quite; …   English syllables

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