Quite\rather

[Tdol]

What's the rule?

[RonBee]

I would vote neither. I might say:

• It's simply the best film I've seen this year.

Or:

• It's definitely the best film I've seen this year.

:)

[Tdol]

Maybe it's BE.

[RonBee]

Originally Posted by tdol

Maybe it's BE.

I think so.

:wink:

[Tdol]

We use quite\rather with the base form of an adjective, rather with the comparative and quite with the superlative.

[selinat]

Can I say 'rather' used in negative meaning whereas 'quite' in positive?

[rhapsomatrics]

"Quite" and" rather",though somewhat similar,have basic contextual and grammatical diferences.While "rather",more often than not,shows contrast "quite"does the work of emphasis...It's RATHER unusual...a change from naturality...it's been quite an age...emphasis....

[Dr. Jamshid Ibrahim]

Originally Posted by rhapsomatrics

"Quite" and" rather",though somewhat similar,have basic contextual and grammatical diferences.While "rather",more often than not,shows contrast "quite"does the work of emphasis...It's RATHER unusual...a change from naturality...it's been quite an age...emphasis....

Rather can be used in two different ways:
1. With negative adjectives: The soup is rather cold. In this case "fairly is used with positive adjectives: The soup is fairly hot.
2. With positive adjectives when it changes its meaning to "very" and imply surprise: His office was rather tidy. He was rather intelligent. The speaker here expresses his/her surprise at sth not expected.

[BobK]

Originally Posted by Tdol

We use quite\rather with the base form of an adjective, rather with the comparative and quite with the superlative.

Well, who'd a thunk it - learn something every day.

b

PS
On re-reading, I guess I should explain: 'Who would have thought it?' (a common expression of surprise at a new discovery) - sorry, it just came out that way.

[Tdol]

I think 'thunk' has earned its place in our, er, thunking.