quite the opposite vs quite opposite

Both 'quite the opposite' and 'quite opposite' are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Quite the opposite' is more commonly used and emphasizes a strong contrast. 'Quite opposite' is less common and tends to be used in a more formal or literary context.

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Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: February 27, 2025 • 6005 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"quite the opposite "

This phrase is used to emphasize a strong contrast or contradiction to a previous statement. It is often used in spoken and written English.

Examples:

I thought she would be angry, but quite the opposite, she was very understanding.
The weather forecast predicted rain, but quite the opposite, it turned out to be a sunny day.

Alternatives:

completely the opposite
totally the opposite
absolutely the opposite
utterly the opposite
entirely the opposite

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English.

"quite opposite"

This phrase is also used to indicate a strong contrast or contradiction, but it is less common and tends to have a more formal or literary tone.

Examples:

His actions were quite opposite to what he had promised.
The two sisters were quite opposite in personality.

Show examples from the web [+]

You know, it can mean quite opposite things.
But in 2007, at the height of the sub-prime and all the complicated financial structures, it was quite opposite to the reckless risk-taking behaviors that we saw on the market.
Other MEPs, represented by Mrs Frahm from the Confederal Group of the European United Left/Nordic Green Left said 'no' for quite opposite reasons, specifically in order to secure the safety of asylum seekers in the best way possible.
Personally, I think that it is up to these populations to adapt to our society and not to force us to adopt favourable policies that often produce results that are quite opposite to expectations.
Mrs Ashton stated quite the opposite.
My intentions are quite the opposite.
But based on what you just said, it seems quite the opposite.
Quite the opposite, young lady.
In fact, quite the opposite.
Quite the opposite, in fact.
In fact, quite the opposite.
I-In fact... quite the opposite.
In fact, I did quite the opposite.
Funny, we're expecting quite the opposite.
In fact he was quite the opposite.
For once, quite the opposite.
Of course, if administered improperly it produced quite the opposite result.
It's quite the opposite, actually.
It's actually quite the opposite.
Quite the opposite, I'm afraid.

Alternatives:

completely opposite
totally opposite
absolutely opposite
utterly opposite
entirely opposite

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quite the opposite vs quite opposite

"quite the opposite "

"quite opposite"

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