Quite, rather, kind of, sort of

Question

a.  "This dish is sort of spicy all right."b.  "This dish is kind of spicy all right."c.  "This dish is rather spicy all right."d.  "This dish is quite spicy all right."Do a,b,c and d all mean the same? ....meaning a little bit spicy?Thanks

Reefannie · Accepted Answer

In my opinion a. & b. mean "a little" spicy.

The word 'rather' could mean the dish is spicy, but not too much so.

'Quite' means the dish is very spicy, but still edible.

Hope this helps.

K.

=^^=

Meantolearn · Answer

Hi, reefannie.

Thanks, for the help.

Let me use a little bit of math here.

a = b < c < d ( the expression shows the degree of spiciness)

Correct???

Thanks again.

Philip · Answer

I think the differences in meaning are not significant and will vary from user to user. I do find that quite and rather are used more in formal situations, while the others might be limited to casual conversation.

Meantolearn · Answer

Hi, Phil.

Different people give different opinions. That's great.

So that a,b,c and d are more or less the same in meaning, aren't they?

Thanks for the help.

Philip · Answer

Except for the degree of formality, I think they are the same.

CalifJim · Answer

meantolearna = b < c < d

I agree.

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

Kind of = sort of
rather is stronger than quite
pretty is similar to rather

Quite, rather, kind of, sort of

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