0
Anonymous Posted 13 years ago
Vocabulary

Usage of "quite"

I'm not sure about the function and meaning of the word "quite" in the sentence below. Would anyone please help?

"I met many female carpet weavers, but up until then I had no idea of the hardship they had to endure to make these works of art, and I was struck by quite how unhappy many of these women were."

Thank you.
  

Top answer

Anonymous quite how unhappy It is an awkward formation; I am not sure it is even acceptable. I suppose it means 'how very unhappy'.

  • Anonymous quite how unhappy It is an awkward formation; I am not sure it is even acceptable.
  • I suppose it means 'how very unhappy'.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

2 Answers
0
Anonymous quite how unhappy
It is an awkward formation; I am not sure it is even acceptable. I suppose it means 'how very unhappy'.
0
Quite usually means more than somewhat but less than very. In its current postion it means nothing. Using it to modify 'struck' doesn't really work either. I'd get rid of it. As a matter of style, I prefer the alternative 'stricken' as the participle when the action doesn't involve a physical attack. [ He was stricken with fear as he walked through the forest. ~ He was str

Related Questions