What does quite mean in British?

completely
In British English, quite has two different meanings. It does mean completely or entirely, but it also means fairly or rather. When it is used for emphasis with adjectives that cannot be graded, quite means completely. The colour adjective black, for example cannot be graded.

How do the British use quite?

In British English quite usually means ‘fairly’: The film was quite enjoyable, although some of the acting was weak. Speakers of British English sometimes use quite to mean ‘very’, but only before words with an extreme meaning: The whole experience was quite amazing.

What do people mean when they say quite?

Quite. Quite is a degree adverb. It has two meanings depending on the word that follows it: ‘a little, moderately but not very’ and ‘very, totally or completely’: … Quite + gradable adjectives and adverbs. When we use quite with a gradable adjective or adverb, it usually means ‘a little, moderately but not very’.

Is quite good a compliment?

“Quite good” is a very similar term. Unless the word “quite” is stressed, the term “quite good” is usually a strong compliment.

Is it quite good or quite well?

“I’m quite well, thank you” is more formal than “I’m quite good, thanks.” Well is more ‘correct’ than good; some would say good means ‘morally good,’ not ‘in good health.

Why do Brits say rather?

Some international workers in the UK feel that they are not always given credit for their good work – possibly they have been told that their work is “quite good”! “Quite”, “somewhat”, “rather” are fundamentally English ways of avoiding giving confrontational opinions.

Are you quite through Meaning?

In this case, “quite” means “completely.” To “be through with” something here means “if you’re finished with something.” If you’re not through studying for a test, that means that you’re not done, that you need to study more. Here, the “quite” in “quite through” is a way of stressing the annoyance of the speaker.

What does quite mean in Australia?

Quite was used with verbs to indicate completion of the action, or with adverbs or prepositional phrases to mean ‘completely’.