Quite is a word that can slip into almost any sentence in any situation. It is a word that varies in meaning depending on how you say it. It is open to interpretation.
In fact, it can vary quite a bit......
Quite is a modifier. It is used to modify words, usually adverbs and adjectives. It usually indicates that something or someone is 'good, but not perfect', 'a lot, but not everything':
She plays tennis quite well.
She's quite a good cook.
Quite a few paintings by Rembrandt are included in the exhibition.
I'm quite excited about the new film by Woody Allen.
I had quite a shock on the way to work this morning.
Prices have gone up quite a lot.
It can modify in negative as well as positive ways:
I'm quite disappointed by the news.
The effect of the earthquake was quite widely felt.
And it can sometimes mean to emphasise 'a lot' or 'a great deal':
That was quite amazing!
The tulips this year are quite perfect!
However, the meaning of quite can change according to the context. Have a look at these two different responses to the question: How was your holiday?
1. Quite good. We had two weeks of sun.
2. Quite good, but in the second week it rained non-stop.
The word 'quite' modifies in both cases, but in (1) it means 'a lot' and in (2) it means 'ok'. The mood of the word changes.
Often the intonation - how the word is spoken - is your best clue to the meaning of quite.
Quite is also used to mean 'nearly' or 'almost' with a negative verb.
I don't quite understand what you mean. (= I nearly understand, but not fully.)
Quite can also be used before an adjective/noun combination:
I saw quite an interesting film last night.
And also a noun on its own:
That was quite a meal!
Note: Quite can also be used to agree with someone else's opinion:
English grammar can be so complicated!
Quite. (= I quite agree)
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