Maggie Gee
New member
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2010
- Member Type
- Other
There are different rules for American and British English.
In British English, 'quite good' can only ever express limited admiration or approval. If you emphasize the 'quite', it becomes even less positive and can be quite insulting.
'Rather good', by contrast, is British understatement for 'good', with a flavour of 'I admit it's good', or 'surprisingly good'.
In American English, 'quite' can, as I understand it, mean 'very good'. Whereas 'quite good' can never mean 'very good' in British English.
I am a British author and academic.
In British English, 'quite good' can only ever express limited admiration or approval. If you emphasize the 'quite', it becomes even less positive and can be quite insulting.
'Rather good', by contrast, is British understatement for 'good', with a flavour of 'I admit it's good', or 'surprisingly good'.
In American English, 'quite' can, as I understand it, mean 'very good'. Whereas 'quite good' can never mean 'very good' in British English.
I am a British author and academic.