quite definite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite definite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize clarity or certainty about something. Example: "Her explanation was quite definite, leaving no room for misunderstanding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

However, my own place in it was quite definite.

The New York Times - Books

This conclusion was quite definite for the winter fogs in.

Nature

"It was quite definite that she wouldn't be allowed a re-entry," Mr. Kyi Win said in an interview.

The New York Times

And although its boundaries seem quite definite at first sight, they are dissolved in places by networks of routes and steps that run through the landscape into the house and out again.

The Guardian - Arts

By G. F. T. Ryall The New Yorker, April 30 , 1966P. 81 Eddie Neloy, who trains both Impressive and Stupendous, is quite definite that neither is going to the Run for the Four Roses.

The New Yorker

"I think we can be quite definite that Pakistan has the largest heroin population," said Bernard Frahi, who heads the United Nations drug program office for South and West Asia.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The preposition 'at' seems quite as definite and certain as any word that could be used.

Harvard University

Suggesting there also might be some flexibility in settling on the final terms, he said, "It is probably not quite as definite as it might appear from some of the papers".

The New York Times

Electrical submersible pumping is the most inflexible of any artificial lift system because a specific ESP pump can only be used in a definite, quite restricted range of pumping rates.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

At first, these feelings were vague and sporadic, but they gradually became more definite and quite frequent.

The New Yorker

Imagine the introduction of the following hypothesis of a paranormal phenomenon: horses did not evolve from lower forms of life, they appeared on earth quite separately at some definite time in the past.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite definite" to express a firm conclusion or decision when you want to convey a sense of certainty without sounding overly assertive. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While acceptable, overusing "quite definite" in highly formal writing can make your tone sound less sophisticated. Opt for stronger synonyms like "absolutely certain" or "unequivocal" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite definite" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a strong degree of certainty or clarity. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is often used to emphasize a conclusion or decision.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "quite definite" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to convey a significant degree of certainty or clarity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not as common as simpler alternatives, it holds its own in both formal and informal settings, particularly in news, academic, and scientific contexts. Remember to use stronger synonyms in highly formal contexts to maintain a sophisticated tone, and be mindful of the subtle nuance it offers compared to more direct intensifiers like "very". Its authoritative usage spans sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, ensuring its reliability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolutely certain

Emphasizes unwavering certainty, stronger than "quite definite".

completely sure

Highlights the lack of doubt, similar to "quite definite" but more personal.

very clear

Focuses on the clarity of information rather than the firmness of a decision.

unquestionably certain

Indicates a level of certainty beyond any doubt, more emphatic.

entirely convinced

Focuses on the state of being convinced, suggesting a mental acceptance.

decidedly certain

Emphasizes the resolute nature of the certainty.

perfectly clear

Implies that something is understood without any ambiguity.

patently obvious

Suggests that something is easily and readily apparent.

distinctly clear

Highlights a clear and easily perceptible understanding.

assuredly true

Indicates confidence in the truthfulness of a statement.

FAQs

How can I use "quite definite" in a sentence?

You can use "quite definite" to express a strong degree of certainty or clarity about something. For instance, "Her explanation was "quite definite", leaving no room for doubt".

What are some alternatives to "quite definite"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "very clear", "absolutely certain", or "completely sure".

Is it better to say "quite definite" or "very definite"?

"Quite definite" and "very definite" are both acceptable, but "quite" often implies a subtle nuance of understatement, whereas "very" is a more direct intensifier. The choice depends on the intended tone.

What is the difference between "quite definite" and "pretty definite"?

"Quite definite" conveys a stronger sense of certainty than "pretty definite". "Pretty definite" suggests a high probability but not absolute certainty, while ""quite definite"" implies a firm conclusion.