quite (completely or fairly)

Question

Hi,As you know quite can have two meanings as an adverb: rather or fairly and completely. Now, would you please tell me which one works in here.PS I meant completely in here, but I wondered if it could have the other meaning too.These two situations are quite different.Thanks

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

It's ambiguous. But usually the context makes the intended meaning clear.

The fairly / rather meaning is more common.

Clive

Paeez · Answer

Thank you kindly dear Clive,

Well, apart from that example, I think quite can be used as an intensifier too. Right? Like very.

quite beautiful ~ so beautiful

And I was wondering if there would be any difference in the usual usages of quite, for example in my example, in BrE and AmE.

Thanks

CalifJim · Answer

PaeezThese two situations are quite different.

I'd take it as 'completely'.

See

CJ

Paeez · Answer

Quite interesting!

Thank you dear Jim, you've been very helpful.

PS (out of topic question)
I see "Thanks in advance" a lot, but I don't like it. I don't know why, I just feel formal and somehow like the asker is expecting something or is a boss, especially with a "!". I usually use Thanks or nothing, what's your idea. I would appreciate it if you would help me with a manner of questioning and thanking that makes the answerer happy or at least not discourage him or her to stop or to be reluctant helping others. I usually switch between "Thank you", "Thanks", "Thank you kindly"(I learned it from Constable Fraser from Due South, Canadian series, I quite loved his manner), "Thanks a million"(Rarely), "Thanks a lot", and sometimes, I'm afraid to be boring. I will use your advice.

CalifJim · Answer

PaeezI see "Thanks in advance" a lot, but I don't like it. I don't know why, I just feel formal and somehow like the asker is expecting something or is a boss, especially with a "!".

You are not the only one with this opinion; however, I don't share this opinion. I take "Thanks in advance" as a formulaic ending, but then I tend not to dig too deeply into the subtle social implications of every word someone else says or writes!

PaeezI usually switch between "Thank you", "Thanks", "Thank you kindly"(I learned it from Constable Fraser from Due South, Canadian series, I quite loved his manner), "Thanks a million"(Rarely)

Those are all fine. I would describe "Thank you kindly" as quaint — not at all unacceptable, but quaint.
______________

The only word I find odd in the context of a forum, and a little bothersome perhaps, is "dear". Not everyone has this reaction, but I associate the word almost exclusively with husband-wife relationships, or similar very close relationships — and with the formulaic beginning of a letter, of course.

CJ

Paeez · Answer

Huh, glad to not to be the only one! Somehow, when I read in someone else's comment it's still bothersome. I don't know why, perhaps because I have sympathy with answerers.

CalifJimThose are all fine. I would describe "Thank you kindly" as quaint — not at all unacceptable, but quaint.

I wondered how a native English speaker what would you feel when someone use that expression? I'd like to thank friendly and kindly and of course with appreciation. I can't pay but I want to be at least perfect in thanking, and not to be look like a sycophant one!

CalifJimThe only word I find odd in the context of a forum, and a little bothersome perhaps, is "dear". Not everyone has this reaction, but I associate the word almost exclusively with husband-wife relationships, or similar very close relationships — and with the formulaic beginning of a letter, of course.

I called my last girlfriend "dear", I mean the English dear! Not by her first name.

However, I use dear in my replies too, I remember that I wouldn't use it for you, but you know people love you, as a friend!

. You know, in my culture saying dear to men and even stranger is not gay. Not even kissing on the others cheek! Somehow, thanks to your TV series, it's now combined with jokes!

Anyway, I hope my very next question wouldn't be too off the topic, but please let me ask you another question that occurs to me when you answer my questions. I have a strange feeling to call you CJ. I don't know if you are familiar with GTA-San Andres or not, the first character is CJ, and before I register in EnglishForward when I read your comments through searching in Google, and see CJ as your sign, I imagined your face like him, and I wondered how educated he become!

However, please tell me which one is better? CJ, Jim or CalifJim? (Considering that you sign your answers as CJ) I mentioned that Mister Micawber called you Jim, so I guess considering he is both experienced and one of the oldest member, he knows what he is doing.

CalifJim · Answer

PaeezI don't know if you are familiar with GTA-San Andres or not

No. I have no idea what that is.

Paeezwhich one is better? CJ, Jim or CalifJim?

They are all fine. Most people on the forum use "CJ", but you don't have to.

As our American saying goes, "You can call me anything but late to dinner!"

CJ

Paeez · Answer

Okay, good to know.

By the way in Google Image you'll find it (And somehow, it tells me you're older than 35. My guess 43). Anyway, I am so grateful to having you as a teacher and friend.

.

CalifJimAs our American saying goes, "You can call me anything but late to dinner!"

And I didn't get that. It's like a father's saying to his child.

Thanks.

CalifJim · Answer

PaeezI didn't get that.

You can call me anything but late to dinner!

It's a play on words.

You can call me CJ. You can call me Jim. You can call me CalifJim. (These are all names. This is one meaning of the verb call— to use a certain name.)

Then there is the meaning of call which is to shout someone's name to summon them somewhere.
You can call me (to come) to class. You can call me (to come) to your side. You can call me (to come) to dinner.

— JIM!!! Dinner's ready!

Mixing the two meanings, the saying sounds like

You can call me any name, but don't call me the name "late to dinner".

But of course "late to dinner" isn't a name, so we have to reinterpret the meaning of call.

You can call me any name, but don't call me late to dinner (don't summon me to the dinner table late — there won't be any food left for me!)

CJ

Paeez · Answer

Very funny Jim,
I think you already answered calls of many poor people; sometimes seasoned their food and sometimes filled their empty plates or glasses, even though they hadn't called Jim. Here, poor connected the food with people whose English's are poor.

I hope I haven't make any grammar mistakes.

Thanks

quite (completely or fairly)

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