esl #english #idioms #formal #noun #adjective

quite a few or quite a number also {formal} not a few {n.} or {adj. phr.}

Rather a large number; more than a few.

Quite a few went to the game.

The basket had quite a few rotten apples in it.

• The phrase "quite a number" is used like an adjective only before "less", "more".

Few people saw the play on the first night but quite a number more came on the second night.

• Sometimes used like an adverb.

We still have quite a few more miles to go before we reach New York.

Syn.: GOOD MANY, NOT A FEW. Compare: A FEW, A NUMBER. Categories: {adj. phr.} {formal} {n.}