quite an

Thân thiện

Her new puppy is quite an energetic little fellow.

Definition

1. Adverb (intensifier):
   • Used to emphasize that a noun or noun phrase is remarkable, exceptional, or of a significant degree. It indicates that something is "to a considerable extent" or "truly" what the noun describes. It is not used with a negative construction.

Usage

• The phrase "quite a" or "quite an" (used before a vowel sound) functions as an adverbial modifier for a following noun or noun phrase. It intensifies the meaning of that noun, suggesting it is noteworthy or impressive.
• It is typically used in informal and formal spoken English and often conveys a sense of understated emphasis or surprise.

Examples

• Adverb:
  • That was quite a performance! (Meaning: That was a truly impressive or remarkable performance.)
  • He is quite an expert on the subject. (Meaning: He is a truly knowledgeable expert.)
  • We had quite an adventure last weekend. (Meaning: We had a very significant or remarkable adventure.)
  • It's quite a long way to the nearest town. (Meaning: It is a considerably long distance.)

Advanced Usage

• "Quite a something": An informal, idiomatic construction where "something" stands for an impressive or remarkable thing or event.
  • Throwing that party with only a day's notice was quite a something.
• The phrase can sometimes imply a mixture of surprise and admiration.
  • You've made quite a recovery. (This emphasizes the extent and positive nature of the recovery.)

Variants and Related Words

• Quite (adverb): To the utmost or most absolute extent or degree; fairly, moderately.
  • The movie was quite good. (Here, "quite" modifies the adjective "good" and can mean "fairly" or "very," depending on context and intonation.)
• Quite the (phrase): A variant with similar intensive meaning, often used before singular nouns.
  • She is quite the artist.

Synonyms

• A real: He's a real hero.
• A veritable: The garden was a veritable paradise.
• A truly remarkable: It was a truly remarkable achievement.
• Something of a (often more understated): He's something of a genius.

Related Phrases

• Quite a few: A large number; many.
  • There were quite a few people at the meeting.
• Quite a bit: A large amount; a lot.
  • She knows quite a bit about history.

Notes

• The phrase "quite an" is never used with a negative word (e.g., "not quite a"). Its function is exclusively to add positive or intensive emphasis to the noun it precedes.
• The choice between "quite a" and "quite an" depends solely on the sound that follows: use "an" before a vowel sound (e.g., quite an effort, quite an honor) and "a" before a consonant sound (e.g., quite a surprise, quite a challenge).

Học thuật

Adverb

1. 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

Từ đồng nghĩa

• quite
• quite a