Quite vs. Utterly — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Quite and Utterly
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Definitions
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
Utterly
Completely; absolutely; entirely.
Quite
To a certain or fairly significant extent or degree; fairly
He's quite an attractive man
It's quite warm outside
Utterly
; entirely; to the fullest extent.
Well, now we are utterly lost.
I have failed you utterly.
Quite
Expressing agreement with or understanding of a remark or statement
‘I don't want to talk about that now.’ ‘Quite’
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Utterly
In an utter manner; to the full extent; fully; totally; as, utterly ruined; it is utterly vain.
Quite
To the greatest extent; completely
Quite alone.
Not quite finished. See Usage Note at perfect.
Utterly
Completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers;
An absolutely magnificent painting
A perfectly idiotic idea
You're perfectly right
Utterly miserable
You can be dead sure of my innocence
Was dead tired
Dead right
Quite
Actually; really
I'm quite positive about it.
Utterly
With sublimity; in a sublime manner;
Awaking in me, sublimely unconscious, interest and energy for tackling these tasks
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Quite
To a degree; rather
Quite soon.
Quite tasty.
Quite
To the greatest extent or degree; completely, entirely.
Quite
With verbs, especially past participles.
Quite
With prepositional phrases and spatial adverbs.
Quite
With predicative adjectives.
Quite
With attributive adjectives, following an (especially indefinite) article; chiefly as expressing contrast, difference etc.
Quite
Preceding nouns introduced by the indefinite article. Chiefly in negative constructions.
Quite
With adverbs of manner.
Quite
In a fully justified sense; truly, perfectly, actually.
Quite
Coming before the indefinite article and an attributive adjective. (Now largely merged with moderative senses, below.)
Quite
With plain adjectives, past participles, and adverbs.
Quite
Coming before the definite article and an attributive superlative.
Quite
Before a noun preceded by an indefinite article; now often with ironic implications that the noun in question is particularly noteworthy or remarkable.
Quite
Before a noun preceded by the definite article.
Quite
With prepositional or adverbial phrases.
Quite
To a moderate extent or degree; somewhat, rather.
Mind your shoes, the basement is quite wet.
Quite
Indicates agreement; exactly so.
“That's a rather ugly colour for a house, don't you think?” — “Quite.”
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!
