quit
B1 (Common)Neutral to Informal. Widely used in everyday speech; can be formal in contexts like 'resign' (e.g., 'submit one's resignation').
Definition
Meaning
To stop doing something, or to leave a place or position.
To cease or discontinue an action; to resign or depart from a role, job, or location; to give up a habit or activity.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb 'quit' implies a final, decisive stop. Unlike 'stop' or 'pause', it often suggests a permanent end. It can be transitive ('quit a job') or intransitive ('I quit!').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'resign' is more formal/prevalent for leaving a job; 'quit' is common but slightly more informal. In American English, 'quit' is standard and neutral for leaving employment. The past tense/past participle in AmE is 'quit' or 'quitted'; BrE slightly prefers 'quitted' but 'quit' is dominant.
Connotations
In both, 'quit' can imply giving up, which may have negative connotations (failure, lack of perseverance).
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English across all contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] quit [NP] (transitive: quit something)[NP] quit (intransitive)[NP] quit [V-ing] (quit doing something)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Quit while you're ahead”
- “Quit cold turkey”
- “Call it quits”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"She quit her position to start her own firm." Often used in HR contexts.
Academic
Rare in formal writing. May appear in sociology/psychology contexts re: habit cessation.
Everyday
"I quit sugar last month." / "He quit the band." Very common.
Technical
In computing/gaming: a command to exit a program ('Press Esc to quit').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He quitted his role as treasurer.
- You should quit complaining.
- I think I'll quit while I'm ahead.
American English
- He quit his job yesterday.
- She quit smoking cold turkey.
- I quit! This game is too hard.
adverb
British English
- (Virtually unused as a standalone adverb.)
American English
- (Virtually unused as a standalone adverb.)
adjective
British English
- I am quit of my responsibilities there. (archaic/formal)
- He was glad to be quit of the burden.
American English
- He was quit of his debts. (rare/formal)
- She felt quit of all obligations.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please quit talking.
- He wants to quit his job.
- I quit football last year.
- She decided to quit smoking for her health.
- If you don't enjoy the course, you can quit.
- The player quit the team after an argument.
- He quit his high-paying job to pursue a career in art.
- The software will ask if you're sure you want to quit.
- They agreed to call it quits on their business partnership.
- The minister was forced to quit amidst the scandal.
- Addicts are often advised not to quit cold turkey without medical support.
- He professed himself quit of any loyalty to the former regime.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a QUIet IT department after everyone has decided to QUIT their jobs.
Conceptual Metaphor
LEAVING IS QUITTING (a path, a journey); STOPPING IS ABANDONING (a possession).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'quiet' (тихий).
- Do not overuse for temporary stops; Russian 'бросить' is a closer match for habits/jobs, but 'перестать' is better for general actions.
- In Russian, 'уволиться' is specific to jobs; 'quit' is broader.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'quit from a job' (redundant preposition) – correct: 'quit a job'.
- Using past tense 'quitted' in contexts where 'quit' is standard (AmE).
- Confusing 'I quit it' (stopped) with 'I quiet it' (made silent).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'quit' INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral but can be informal. In formal writing regarding employment, 'resign' or 'step down' is often preferred.
Both 'quit' and 'quitted' are accepted. 'Quit' is more common in modern English, especially American English.
Generally, no. 'Quit' implies a permanent or intended-permanent stop. Use 'stop' or 'pause' for temporary breaks.
They are often synonymous. 'Give up' can sound more negative (admitting defeat) and is used with abstract nouns ('give up hope'). 'Quit' is more direct and physical ('quit a job').