Quite vs Quiet – What’s the difference?

by

The words “quite” and “quiet” are among the most confusing words. They almost sound the same, and even their spellings have only a minor difference. Sometimes people even tend to mistake them unconsciously.

Contents show

The words “quiet” and “quite” have completely different meanings and are used differently in different contexts. They are both actual words, but sometimes, even software can fail to recognize their difference. They only look and sound alike but can never be used interchangeably.

So, let us understand their difference to avoid any further mistakes.

Quite vs Quiet - What's the difference?

Quite vs Quiet – Difference

Usage of Quite

The word “quite” is used as an adverb. “Quite” can be defined or expressed as the maximum degree or extent. But, it can mean differently depending on the sentence. It can either mean to the greatest extent or to a certain degree.

Let us understand with some examples;

  • He is quite good at math but not the best.
  • The food is not quite ready.
  • I don’t need any more drinks. That is quite enough.

So, we notice that “quite” in every sentence refers to the degree that something is in. We also notice that “quite” can be referred to entirely, like in the second sentence.

“Quite” can also be applied as an intensifier. It’s not very common, but it is grammatically correct. It can mean similar to the words like really. For example;

  • The dinner was quite boring.

We see it is feasible. It describes that the dinner was really boring. However, “quite” as an intensifier is generally used to make compliments.

Usage of Quiet

“Quiet” on the other hand, is a completely different word. It can be used as a noun, an adjective, and also a verb. As a noun, it indicates the lack or absence of sound or a loud noise. As a verb, it is used to stop someone or something from creating or making a loud noise. And as an adjective, it means creating less or no noise.

Let us look at some examples;

Used as a noun;

  • The sisters wanted something peaceful and quiet.

We see the word “quiet” describes the absence of noise.

As an adjective;

  • She is the quiet student in our class.
  • All expensive cars have quiet engines.

Here, “quiet” describes the noun creating less or no noise.

As a verb;

  • Please, quiet down class.
  • Can you stay quiet? I am trying to read something.

Here, “quiet” indicates that someone must stop making loud noises.

Remember the Difference between Quite and Quiet

  • “Quite” can be used as an adverb, while “quiet” is used as a noun, verb, and adjective.
  • “Quite” and “quiet” can never be used interchangeably.
  • “Quite” refers to a maximum degree, while “quiet” means making no loud noises.

If you can remember the difference in their spellings, you can easily avoid unnecessary errors. “Quite” has a letter T that stands before E, and “Quiet” has a letter T that stands after E. Remembering it can be an easy way to learn them.

Both the words are completely different from each other, and yet, so many people use them as the same. This proves that English is not an easy language. You have to practice regularly to get better at it.

Related posts:

  1. Up to or Upto – Which one is correct?
  2. Access vs Excess – What’s the difference?
  3. Each vs Every – What’s the difference?
  4. Although vs Though vs Even Though
  5. Nevertheless vs Nonetheless – What’s the difference?
  6. I Love you to or too – Which is Correct?
  7. Whenever vs When Ever – What’s the difference?
  8. Less vs Fewer – What’s the Difference?

19 thoughts on “Quite vs Quiet – What’s the difference?”

  7. I delight in, lead to I discovered exactly what
    I was taking a look for. You have ended my 4 day lengthy hunt!
    God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye

  8. 839627 151208Hey, you used to write amazing, but the last few posts have been kinda boringK I miss your super writings. Past several posts are just a little bit out of track! come on! 134473

  9. Definitely believe that which you stated. Your favorite justification appeared to be on the net the easiest thing to be aware
    of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while people consider worries that they just do not
    know about. You managed to hit the nail
    upon the top as well as defined out the whole
    thing without having side-effects , people could take a signal.
    Will probably be back to get more. Thanks

  10. 40093 94863It is a shame you dont have a donate button! Id most surely donate to this outstanding internet website! I suppose in the meantime ill be pleased with bookmarking and putting your Rss feed to my Google account. I appear forward to fresh updates and will share this weblog with my Facebook group: ) 411086

  12. I’m amazed, I must say. Rarely do I come across a blog that’s both
    equally educative and engaging, and let me tell you,
    you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is something which too few
    people are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy I found this in my search for something regarding
    this.

  13. I was pretty pleased to find this page. I need to to thank
    you for ones time for this fantastic read!! I definitely appreciated every little bit of it and I have you
    saved as a favorite to check out new things on your web
    site.

  15. Can I simply say what a comfort to uncover an individual who actually knows
    what they’re talking about on the net. You actually know how to bring a problem to
    light and make it important. More people really need to
    check this out and understand this side of your story. It’s surprising you are not more popular given that you surely possess the gift.

Leave a Comment