Very vs. Quite — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 4, 2024
Very intensifies the degree of adjectives to a higher level, while quite can suggest either a considerable degree or slightly less intensity depending on context.
Difference Between Very and Quite
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Very" is used to enhance the degree of an adjective, adverb, or verb, indicating a higher level of intensity. For example, saying "very good" implies something is of high quality. Whereas, "quite" can be more flexible, often depending on the adjective it modifies; "quite good" can mean either slightly good or very good based on context.
When it comes to usage, "very" is straightforward and unambiguous, making it a strong intensifier in both spoken and written English. Quite, on the other hand, can vary in interpretation, sometimes suggesting a moderate degree, as in "quite interesting," which may not mean extremely interesting.
In American English, "very" is prevalently clear and emphasizes without confusion. Quite, however, can sometimes lead to misunderstandings because its intensity can be ambiguous and is influenced by regional variations.
The frequency of usage also differs; "very" is more commonly used in everyday American English to strongly affirm qualities. Quite appears less frequently and is often more formal or polite, especially in British English contexts.
Understanding the effect of each word is crucial for non-native speakers. Using "very" typically boosts the word it modifies without altering the base meaning, while "quite" requires careful consideration of context to ensure the intended degree of modification is communicated.
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Comparison Chart
Intensity
High
Variable (high or moderate)
Usage Clarity
Unambiguous
Context-dependent
Common Usage Contexts
General, both formal and informal
More formal, varies by dialect
Effect on Modified Word
Increases intensity without altering meaning
May slightly or significantly alter intensity
Regional Preference
Predominantly American English
Common in British English, used in American English
Compare with Definitions
Very
Does not change the base meaning of the adjective or adverb it modifies.
It was very cold outside.
Quite
Often implies a considerable but not complete degree.
The movie was quite interesting.
Very
Used to add emphasis to an adjective, adverb, or verb.
She was very excited to see the parade.
Quite
Can be ambiguous without context.
The instructions were quite clear.
Very
Indicates a high degree of the quality described.
The task was very difficult.
Quite
Usage can depend heavily on regional dialects.
He was quite annoyed at the delay.
Very
Commonly paired with positive adjectives for emphasis.
They were very happy with the results.
Quite
Can vary in intensity; sometimes used as a mild intensifier.
She is quite tall for her age.
Very
Frequently used in spoken and written English to intensify expressions.
He was very tired after the trip.
Quite
Sometimes used to soften statements politely.
It’s quite a good idea, isn’t it?
Very
In a high degree; extremely
Very happy.
Very much admired.
Quite
To the utmost or most absolute extent or degree; absolutely; completely
I quite agree
Quite frankly, I don't blame you
Are you quite certain about this?
It's quite out of the question
This is quite a different problem
Very
Truly; absolutely
The very best advice.
Attended the very same schools.
Quite
To a certain or fairly significant extent or degree; fairly
He's quite an attractive man
It's quite warm outside
Very
Very Used in titles
The Very Reverend Jane Smith.
Quite
Expressing agreement with or understanding of a remark or statement
‘I don't want to talk about that now.’ ‘Quite’
Very
Complete; absolute
At the very end of his career.
Quite
To the greatest extent; completely
Quite alone.
Not quite finished. See Usage Note at perfect.
Very
Being the same; identical
That is the very question she asked yesterday.
Quite
Actually; really
I'm quite positive about it.
Very
Being particularly suitable or appropriate
The very item needed to increase sales.
Quite
To a degree; rather
Quite soon.
Quite tasty.
Very
Used to emphasize the importance of what is specified
The very mountains shook.
Quite
To the greatest extent or degree; completely, entirely.
Very
Being nothing more than what is specified; mere
The very act of riding in the car made him dizzy.
Quite
With verbs, especially past participles.
Very
(Archaic) Genuine; true
"Like very sanctity, she did approach" (Shakespeare).
Quite
With prepositional phrases and spatial adverbs.
Very
(literary) True, real, actual.
The fierce hatred of a very woman.
The very blood and bone of our grammar.
He tried his very best.
We're approaching the very end of the trip.
Quite
With predicative adjectives.
Very
The same; identical.
He proposed marriage in the same restaurant, at the very table where they first met.
That's the very tool that I need.
Quite
With attributive adjectives, following an (especially indefinite) article; chiefly as expressing contrast, difference etc.
Very
With limiting effect: mere.
Quite
Preceding nouns introduced by the indefinite article. Chiefly in negative constructions.
Very
To a great extent or degree.
That dress is very you.
Not very many (of them) had been damaged.
She's very like her mother.
‘Is she busy?’ ― ‘Not very.’
Quite
With adverbs of manner.
Very
Conforming to fact, reality or rule; true.
Quite
In a fully justified sense; truly, perfectly, actually.
Very
(with superlatives) Used to firmly establish that nothing else surpasses in some respect.
He was the very best runner there.
Quite
Coming before the indefinite article and an attributive adjective. (Now largely merged with moderative senses, below.)
Very
True; real; actual; veritable.
Whether thou be my very son Esau or not.
He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
The very essence of truth is plainness and brightness.
I looked on the consideration of public service or public ornament to be real and very justice.
Quite
With plain adjectives, past participles, and adverbs.
Very
In a high degree; to no small extent; exceedingly; excessively; extremely; as, a very great mountain; a very bright sun; a very cold day; the river flows very rapidly; he was very much hurt.
Quite
Coming before the definite article and an attributive superlative.
Very
Precisely as stated;
The very center of town
Quite
Before a noun preceded by an indefinite article; now often with ironic implications that the noun in question is particularly noteworthy or remarkable.
Very
Being the exact same one; not any other:;
This is the identical room we stayed in before
The themes of his stories are one and the same
Saw the selfsame quotation in two newspapers
On this very spot
The very thing he said yesterday
The very man I want to see
Quite
Before a noun preceded by the definite article.
Very
Used to give emphasis to the relevance of the thing modified;
His very name struck terror
Caught in the very act
Quite
With prepositional or adverbial phrases.
Very
Used to give emphasis;
The very essence of artistic expression is invention
The very back of the room
Quite
To a moderate extent or degree; somewhat, rather.
Mind your shoes, the basement is quite wet.
Very
Used as intensifiers; `real' is sometimes used informally for `really'; `rattling' is informal;
She was very gifted
He played very well
A really enjoyable evening
I'm real sorry about it
A rattling good yarn
Quite
Indicates agreement; exactly so.
“That's a rather ugly colour for a house, don't you think?” — “Quite.”
Very
Precisely so;
On the very next page
He expected the very opposite
Quite
(bullfighting) A series of passes made with the cape to distract the bull.
Quite
See Quit.
Quite
Completely; wholly; entirely; totally; perfectly; as, the work is not quite done; the object is quite accomplished; to be quite mistaken.
Man shall not quite be lost, but saved who will.
The same actions may be aimed at different ends, and arise from quite contrary principles.
Quite
To a great extent or degree; very; very much; considerably.
He really looks quite concerned.
The island stretches along the land and is quite close to it.
Quite
To a degree (not used with a negative);
Quite tasty
Quite soon
Quite ill
Quite rich
Quite
To the greatest extent; completely;
You're quite right
She was quite alone
Was quite mistaken
Quite the opposite
Not quite finished
Did not quite make it
Quite
Of an unusually noticeable or exceptional or remarkable kind (not used with a negative);
Her victory was quite something
She's quite a girl
Quite a film
Quite a walk
We've had quite an afternoon
Quite
Actually or truly or to an extreme;
Was quite a sudden change
It's quite the thing to do
Quite the rage
Quite so!
Common Curiosities
Can "quite" mean the same as "very"?
Yes, "quite" can sometimes mean the same as "very," indicating a high degree, but its intensity can vary depending on context.
Is "quite" always a positive intensifier?
No, "quite" can modify both positive and negative attributes, and its degree can be ambiguous.
Can "very" and "quite" be used interchangeably?
While sometimes possible, they are not always interchangeable due to "quite's" variable intensity.
How does regional English affect the understanding of "quite"?
In British English, "quite" often means somewhat or fairly, whereas in American English, it can imply a stronger degree of intensity.
What is the primary function of "very" in English?
"Very" serves as an intensifier, used to increase the degree of adjectives, adverbs, and verbs.
Is "quite" more common in American or British English?
"Quite" is more commonly used and has a broader range of meanings in British English compared to American.
How does "very" affect the meaning of an adjective?
"Very" increases the intensity of the adjective without changing its underlying meaning.
What is an example of "very" intensifying a verb?
e.g., She very much wanted to win the competition.
What is a subtle way to use "quite"?
Using "quite" before an adjective can subtly suggest that something is less than absolutely but still noticeably.
Is it grammatically correct to use multiple "very" in a sentence?
While grammatically possible, using multiple "very" can seem excessive or informal.
What kind of adverbs can "quite" intensify?
"Quite" can intensify both gradable and some non-gradable adverbs, depending on the context.
Why might "quite" be preferred in formal writings?
"Quite" can convey politeness and formality, especially when softening assertions or opinions.
Does the usage of "very" differ in formal and informal contexts?
"Very" is universally used across both formal and informal contexts without much variation.
Can "very" be used with non-gradable adjectives?
Typically, "very" is not used with absolute or non-gradable adjectives like "perfect" or "unique."
Does "quite" change the base meaning of adjectives it modifies?
"Quite" can subtly alter the intensity, but generally, it respects the base meaning of the adjective.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
