Completely vs. Quite

Attribute	Completely	Quite
Definition	Wholly, entirely, fully	Fairly, rather, somewhat
Intensity	Maximum, total	Moderate, partial
Extent	Whole, all	Considerable, significant
Usage	Emphasizes completeness	Emphasizes degree

Definition

Completely and quite are both adverbs that are used to modify adjectives, verbs, or other adverbs. They both indicate the degree or extent of something, but they are used in slightly different contexts.

Intensity

One key difference between completely and quite is the level of intensity they convey. Completely is often used to emphasize that something is done to the fullest extent or without any exceptions. For example, "I completely agree with you" indicates a strong level of agreement. On the other hand, quite is used to indicate a moderate degree or extent. For instance, "I quite like that movie" suggests a level of liking that is less intense than complete liking.

Usage

Completely is commonly used in formal or serious contexts where a strong emphasis is needed. It is often used to convey a sense of finality or totality. For example, "The project was completely successful" indicates that there were no failures or shortcomings in the project. Quite, on the other hand, is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings. It is often used to soften the impact of a statement or to express a moderate opinion. For example, "The food was quite good" suggests that the food was above average but not exceptional.

Frequency

Completely is used less frequently in everyday speech compared to quite. This is because completely is often reserved for situations where a strong emphasis is needed, while quite can be used more casually. For example, you might say "I quite like this song" in a conversation with friends, but you might reserve "I completely adore this song" for a more formal setting.

Emphasis

Completely is often used to add emphasis to a statement or to make a point more strongly. It is commonly used to express certainty or finality. For example, "I completely forgot about the meeting" emphasizes the fact that the speaker forgot without any doubt. Quite, on the other hand, is used to add a degree of emphasis that is less intense than completely. It can be used to soften a statement or to make it more polite. For instance, "I quite enjoyed the concert" suggests a positive experience without being overly enthusiastic.

Subtlety

Another difference between completely and quite is the level of subtlety they convey. Completely is more direct and straightforward in its meaning, leaving little room for interpretation. It is often used to make a clear and unequivocal statement. Quite, on the other hand, can be more subtle and nuanced in its meaning. It can be used to suggest a level of uncertainty or to downplay the intensity of a statement. For example, "I quite like the new design" could imply that the speaker has some reservations about it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, completely and quite are both adverbs that are used to indicate the degree or extent of something, but they have distinct differences in terms of intensity, usage, frequency, emphasis, subtlety, and context. While completely is often used to convey a strong emphasis or finality, quite is more versatile and can be used in a variety of settings. Understanding the nuances of these two adverbs can help you communicate more effectively and accurately in different situations.