The phrase "quite a ways" means "a considerable distance." Its phonetic transcription is /kwaɪt ə weɪz/. The word "quite" is pronounced as /kwaɪt/ and means "to a certain extent, completely." "A" is pronounced as /ə/ which is a schwa sound indicating an unstressed syllable. "Ways" is pronounced as /weɪz/ and means "distance traveled." The spelling of the word "ways" in this phrase is plural as it indicates multiple distances traveled or a long distance.
"Quite a ways" is an idiomatic expression often used in informal speech to convey the idea of a considerable or significant distance. It refers to a relatively long distance or a considerable amount of time or effort required to reach a specific destination, complete a task, or achieve a goal.
The term "quite" in this context amplifies the degree of distance being discussed, emphasizing that the distance is more than just a short or average amount. "Ways" refers to a physical, metaphorical, or temporal distance, indicating how far something is in relation to another point in space, a specific objective, or the duration of an activity.
Used primarily in North American and British English, "quite a ways" is often used to describe situations where someone is asked to travel a significant distance or perform a task that requires a substantial effort. For example, if someone says, "I need to walk quite a ways to reach the train station," they are suggesting that the distance is considerable and might require a substantial amount of time and effort.
In conclusion, "quite a ways" is an idiomatic expression that highlights a considerable distance or effort required to accomplish something. It is commonly used in informal conversations when discussing distances or the effort needed to reach a specific destination or complete a task.