quite etymology

Etymology:

The word "quite" has a complex etymology, with roots in multiple languages:

  • Old English: "cweðan," meaning "to say"
  • Middle English: "quith," meaning "to say, to make known"
  • Old Norse: "kviðr," meaning "womb, stomach"
  • French: "quitte," meaning "free, quit"

Meaning and Origin:

Originally, "quite" meant "to utter, to make known." It was used to indicate that something had been said or done. Over time, its meaning evolved to include:

  • Completely: To the fullest extent; without any exception
  • Very: To a large degree
  • Rather: Somewhat, fairly

Usage:

"Quite" is commonly used in both formal and informal settings to emphasize the completeness or extent of something. It can be used in a variety of contexts, including:

  • Adverb: To modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs
  • Interjection: To express surprise, approval, or emphasis
  • Emphatic: To stress a particular idea or fact

Examples:

  • "The movie was quite entertaining." (Adverb)
  • "Quite a few people attended the concert." (Interjection)
  • "She is quite the athlete." (Emphatic)

Summary:

The word "quite" has a rich history, originating from multiple languages and evolving in meaning over time. It is commonly used to express the complete or significant extent of something and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

quite relate terms

  • quit

    Etymology The word quit comes from the Old French word quiter which means to give

  • acquiesce

    Etymology Latin acquiescere to rest in one s mind Compound word from ad to

  • acquit

    Etymology Old French aquiter from Late Latin aquittare from Latin adquittare meaning

  • awhile

    Etymology The word awhile originated from the Old English words ān meaning one a

  • quiesce

    Etymology Latin quiescō quiescere quiēvī quiētum to rest be quiet be at pea

  • quiescent

    Etymology From Latin quiescere to rest from the Proto Indo European root kwei

  • quiet

    Etymology The word quiet originates from the Latin word quietus meaning rest ca

  • Quietism

    Etymology Late Latin quietismus from Latin quiētus quiet calm Meaning Quieti

  • quietude

    Etymology Quietude comes from the Latin word quietus meaning calm peaceful stil

  • quietus

    Etymology Latin quietus calm quiet at rest Meaning Noun The act of extin

  • quit

    Etymology The word quit comes from the Old French word quiter which means to give

  • quitclaim

    Etymology Quitclaim is derived from the Old French phrase quite claimer meaning to r

  • quite

    Etymology The word quite has a complex etymology with roots in multiple languages

  • quit rent

    Etymology Quit verb to leave or abandon Rent noun a payment made for the use of so

  • quittance

    Etymology French quittance from quitter to leave let go Latin quietus rest repos

  • requiescat

    Etymology Latin requiescat third person singular present subjunctive of requiescer

  • requiem

    Etymology French requiem Medieval Latin requies Latin requiem rest Meaning A

  • requite

    Etymology Old French requerer Latin requiro requisitus to seek ask for search fo

  • while

    Etymology is the study of the origin and historical development of words It involves trac

  • whilom

  • rather

    Etymology Old English rathor Proto Germanic raþizaz Proto Indo European h₂érē

  • bellicose

    Etymology From Latin bellicosus warlike derived from bellum war cosus ending d

  • frugality

    Etymology The word frugality comes from the Latin word frugalitas which means thri

  • drumlin

    Etymology The word drumlin is derived from the Irish word druim meaning ridge Me

  • Episcopalian

    Etymology Episcopal is derived from the Late Latin word episcopalis which means rel

  • logogriph

    Etymology The word logogriph is derived from two Greek words logos λόγος w

  • androcentric

    Etymology The word androcentric comes from the Greek roots andro ἀνδρ mean

  • endeavor

    Etymology Old French endevoir to make an effort strive Late Latin indevotare ind

  • syncope

    Etymology From Ancient Greek sunkopē συγκοπή Derived from sun together

  • barren

    Etymology The word barren comes from the Old English word bearne which means unprod