quite

The word “quite” means completely or entirely. In plain terms, a flexible intensifier meaning either "completely" or "fairly/somewhat," depending on context.

“Quite” is pronounced kwyt (/kwaɪt/ in IPA).

Here is “quite” used in a sentence: “I'm not quite finished with the report yet.”

Depending on how it is used, “quite” can be an adverb and an intj.

The word “quite” comes from Latin. Developed from "quit," ultimately from Latin quiētus — the same root behind "quiet" and "quietus.".

“Quite” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Quite” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: completely or entirely.

They look alike but are unrelated. 'Quite' (rhyming with 'kite') is an adverb meaning completely or, in British use, fairly — as in 'quite right.' 'Quiet' (two syllables) is an adjective or noun about the absence of noise — as in 'a quiet room.' Note that 'quiet' simply swaps the last two letters of 'quite.'

It can mean either, and the sense depends on the phrase and the region. With absolute words it means completely — 'quite finished,' 'quite impossible.' With gradable adjectives, especially in British English, it often softens to 'fairly' or 'rather,' so 'quite good' may mean only moderately good. American English leans toward the 'completely' sense.

It is neutral and works in both formal and informal writing and speech, and people use it constantly in everyday conversation. Because its meaning can shift between 'completely' and 'fairly,' though, careful writers make sure the surrounding words signal the intended strength clearly, especially in formal or international contexts where a reader might misread it.