[LMB] 'Quite'

[ANDREW BARTON]

Little Alex said: 
> "You are welcome" if it's automatic and "You are quite welcome" if 
the 
> thanks was sincere and conscious.

>Except 'quite' means different things in the USA and the UK, afaik...

***
Helen Hancox:
> Yes indeed! In the UK "Quite welcome" would mean that you're welcome 
> but not all that much!!!
   
  'Quite' is an ambiguous word within the UK even before you think about transatlantic differences.  The same person can use it in different contexts to mean either 'somewhat' or 'very'.  To my ear if someone is said to be 'quite pretty' it means somewhat pretty, if they're said to be 'quite awful' it means completely awful.
   
  Chambers lists both meanings without suggesting that there are any national or dialect differences in their use.
   
  'Quite' on its own as a response to a statement usually conveys complete agreement.
   
  Andrew