quite

The word “quite” is an adverb that is very similar in meaning to the words “very” and “really.”

While the meanings are similar, you can’t always use “quite” in exactly the same way as you would “very” or “really.” The differences are small, but you should know what they are when choosing from among these three adverbs.

examples and explanations

It’s quite cold today. (quite = very or really)
It’s not quite 4:00. (not quite = almost)
That’s not quite right. (This is a polite way to say, “That’s wrong.”)
You are quite right. (You are absolutely correct.)
Quite right. (same as above, but without the subject and verb)
Quite a few people showed up for the rally. (quite a few = a lot)
We got quite a bit of snow yesterday. (quite a bit = a lot)
He’s quite sure of himself. (He’s very confident.)
It was quite some time ago that it happened. (quite some time = a long time.)
I’m not quite ready. (I’m not ready yet.)
That’s quite a large building. (quite a large = a very large)