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The differences between Quite and Quiet: Which one means "silent", which one means "rather"?

Quiet and Quiet? At first glance, it seems difficult to detect the difference between Quiet and Quite. However, in reality, these are two words that are pronounced completely differently and used differently as well. Let's distinguish between Quiet and Quite in the article below!

The differences between 2 words Quiet and Quite
The differences between 2 words Quiet and Quite

I. What is Quiet?

Before getting into the differences between Quiet and Quite, let's take a look at the meaning, some synonyms, antonyms, and common phrases associated with “Quiet”.

1. Definition

What is Quiet? According to the Cambridge Dictionary, “Quiet” means: making very little or no noise. For example:

  • My mother speaks in a quiet voice so as not to wake the baby. 
  • It's so quiet without the kids here. 
What is Quiet?
What is Quiet?

2. Synonyms and antonyms for Quiet

To further strengthen the understanding of Quiet, below are some common synonyms and antonyms that PREP has carefully compiled!

Synonyms and Antonyms for Quiet

Example

Synonym

silent

The museum is always in a silent state. state. 

soft

"Come here!" My grandmother said in a soft voice. voice. 

muffled

Peter could hear muffled voices from the next classroom. 

faint

There was the faint sound of traffic in the distance. 

hushed

The judge delivered his decision to a crowded but hushed courtroom. 

Antonym

loud

Please turn down your music. It is so loud

noisy

I hate living in the city. It is so noisy

3. Common phrases associated with Quiet

Common phrases

Example

Keep quiet

Can you keep quiet when I speak? 

Be quiet!

 

Be quiet!” The teacher said. 

As quiet as a mouse

You'd better be as quiet as a mouse while Grandma takes her nap. 

Keep quiet about

The manager wants me to keep quiet about this data. 

Peaceful and quiet

Taylor enjoys living in the countryside. It is peaceful and quiet

II. What is Quite?

To accurately distinguish between Quiet and Quite, let's explore the meaning, structures and usage of Quite below!

1. Definition

What is Quite? According to the Cambridge dictionary, Quite functions as an adverb, meaning: a little or a lot but not completely. For example:

For example:

  • The two problems are quite different. 
  • I don't quite know what to say to you. 
What is Quite?
What is Quite?

2. Structure and usage of Quite

Structure of Quite

Meaning

Example

Quite is a degree adverb 

Two meanings: ‘a little, moderately but not very’ and ‘very, totally or completely’:

The kids are quite excited about moving to a new place next week. 

Quite + gradable adjectives and adverbs 

‘little, moderately but not very’; similar meaning to ‘rather’ or ‘fairly’

Those glasses make Jeny look quite smart. 

Quite + non-gradable adjectives and adverbs 

‘very’, ‘totally’ or ‘completely’

The picture was quite incredible. 

Quite + noun

Emphasize the noun

There was quite a crowd at the school yard. 

Quite + a lot/a bit + comparative 

‘much’

My boyfriend and I went to Italy when we were quite a bit younger. 

Quite + verb

Refer to large amounts and quantities

I quite enjoy sitting here and watching people go by. 

3. Common phrases associated with Quite

Common phrases

Example

Quite honestly/ frankly

Quite honestly, I don't think that's a good idea. 

Quite good/ interesting/

common/ difficult

The math problem was quite difficult to solve. 

Quite the best, worst, etc

Maria is quite the best chef in town. 

Quite a/ the/ some something (Idioms)

My team has been working on this for quite some time

Quite the contrary

I thought John would be angry, but quite the contrary, he was very understanding. 

Quite a bit, quite a few, quite a lot

A: That couple bought quite a lot of new furniture, didn't they? 

B: Yeah, quite a bit

III. Differences of Quiet vs Quite

While Quiet and Quite appear similar when written, their pronunciation and meanings are entirely different. Please take a close look at the table below for the clearest distinction between Quiet and Quite in English!

 

Quiet 

Quite 

Pronounce

Quiet /kwaɪət/

Quite /kwaɪt/

Part of speech

Adjective/ verb/ noun

Adverb

Meaning

Making very little or no noise

A little or a lot but not completely

For example

The children are very quiet. The mother wonders what they're doing? 

I’ve been quite busy this week. I can't go out with you. 

Differences of Quiet vs Quite
III. Differences of Quiet vs Quite

For more information, please refer to the following articles:

IV. Exercises to distinguish between Quiet and Quite with answers

Let's practice distinguishing between Quiet and Quite more thoroughly with these two exercises!

1. Exercises

Exercise 1: Choose the correct answer: Quiet or Quite

  1. The library is a_______place to study.
    1. Quiet 
    2. Quite
  2. The night was so_______that you could hear a pin drop.
    1. Quiet 
    2. Quite
  3. The weather today is_______pleasant.
    1. Quiet 
    2. Quite
  4. She was_______surprised when she saw the gift.
    1. Quiet 
    2. Quite
  5. The food at the new restaurant is_______good.
    1. Quiet 
    2. Quite

Exercise 2: Choose Quiet and Quite to fill in the blanks:

  1. The library is a very ______ place to study.
  2. I was feeling ______ tired after my long day.
  3. That was a ______ delicious meal!
  4. She spoke in a low, ______ voice.
  5. This neighborhood is usually very ______ at night.

2. Answer

Exercise 1

Exercise 2

  1. A
  2. A
  3. B
  4. B
  5. B
  1. quiet
  2. quite
  3. quite
  4. quiet
  5. quiet

V. Master IELTS With Confidence

PREP hopes that after reading this article, Preppies now know how to accurately distinguish between Quiet and Quite. If you’re ready to boost your IELTS band score, check out our expert-led courses below:

Master Tu Pham
Master Tu Pham
Founder/CEO at Prep
Founder of Prep Smart Test Preparation Platform. With over 10 years of experience in teaching and test preparation, Mr. Tú has helped thousands of students achieve high scores in the IELTS exam. In addition, Mr. Tú Phạm is also a consulting expert in British Council programs and a speaker at many leading educational events, programs, and conferences.
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