quite, not quite

In formal use, quite means “completely” or “entirely.”

• I have had quite (entirely) enough of this nonsense!

However, it is frequently heard in standard speech and seen in writing as a synonym for very or to a considerable extent.

• The investigation was quite (very) thorough.

The phrase not quite means almost entirely.

• Katie has almost entirely (or not quite) finished her assignment.

In many instances, quite may be omitted without any loss of meaning or clarity.

• Paul counted his cash but he did not have (quite) enough to buy the vintage comic book.

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