Word origins - 2ed. J. Ayto. 2005.
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
