Word forms: 3rd person singular presenttense fits, present participle fitting, past tense, past participle fittedlanguage note: In American English the form fit is used in the present tense and sometimes also as the past tense and past participleof the verb.
1. verb
If something fits, it is the right size and shape to go onto a person's body or onto a particular object.
The sash, kimono, and other garments were made to fit a child. [VERB noun]
She has to go to the men's department to find trousers that fit at the waist. [VERB preposition/adverb]
Line a tin with lightly-greased greaseproof paper, making sure the corners fit well. [VERB preposition/adverb]
2. singular noun [adjective NOUN]
If something is a good fit, it fits well.
Eventually he was happy that the sills and doors were a reasonably good fit.
3. verb [usually passive]
If you are fitted for a particular piece of clothing, you try it on so that the person who is making itcan see where it needs to be altered.
She was being fitted for her wedding dress. [beVERB-ed + for]
Synonyms: adapt, fashion, shape, arrange More Synonyms of fit
4. verb
If something fits somewhere, it can be put there or is designed to be put there.
...a computer which is small enough to fit into your pocket. [VERB preposition/adverb]
He folded his long legs to fit under the table. [VERB preposition/adverb]
The crowd was too large to fit inside the hall. [VERB preposition/adverb]
...filters are available that fit over the lens of suitable cameras. [VERB preposition/adverb]
5. verb
If you fit something into a particular space or place, you put it there.
She fitted her key in the lock. [VERB noun preposition/adverb]
Who could cut the millions of stone blocks and fit them together? [VERB noun preposition/adverb]
When the crown has been made you go back and the dentist will fit it into place. [VERB noun preposition/adverb]
Synonyms: place, position, insert More Synonyms of fit
6. verb
If you fit something somewhere, you attach it there, or put it there carefully and securely.
Fit hinge bolts to give extra support to the door lock. [VERB noun]
Peter had built the overhead ladders, and the next day he fitted them to the wall. [VERB noun preposition]
Home spas or mini whirlpools massage and relax, and can be fitted into the bath. [VERB noun preposition]
Synonyms: attach, join, connect, interlock More Synonyms of fit
7. verb
If something fits something else or fits into it, it goes together well with that thing or is able to be part of it.
Her daughter doesn't fit the current feminine ideal. [VERB noun]
Fostering is a full-time job and you should consider how it will fit into your career. [V + in/into]
There's something about the way he talks of her that doesn't fit. [VERB]
Synonyms: suit, meet, match, belong to More Synonyms of fit
8. verb
You can say that something fits a particular person or thing when it is appropriate or suitable for them or it.
The punishment must always fit the crime. [VERB noun]
9. adjective [ADJECTIVE to-infinitive, ADJ n to-inf]
If something is fit for a particular purpose, it is suitable for that purpose.
Of the seven bicycles we had, only two were fit for the road. [+ for]
...safety measures intended to reassure consumers that the meat is fit to eat.
Follow our guide to making your home a fit place to work, rest and play.
10. adjective [oft ADJECTIVE to-infinitive, ADJ n to-inf]
If someone is fit to do something, they have the appropriate qualities or skills that will allow themto do it.
You're not fit to be a mother!
In a word, this government isn't fit to rule.
He was not a fit companion for their skipper that particular morning.
[Also + for]
Synonyms: appropriate, qualified, suitable, competent More Synonyms of fit
fitnessuncountable noun [NOUN to-infinitive]
There is a debate about his fitness for the highest office. [+ for]
If you suffer from a serious medical condition, you should consult your doctor aboutyour fitness to travel.
Synonyms: appropriateness, qualifications, adaptation, competence More Synonyms of fit
11. verb
If something fits someone for a particular task or role, it makes them good enough or suitable for it.
[formal]
...a man whose past experience fits him for the top job in education. [VERB noun + for]
His personality may not have fitted him to be Prime Minister. [VERB noun to-infinitive]
Synonyms: qualify, train, prepare, equip More Synonyms of fit
12. adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE to-infinitive]
If you say that something or someone is fitto produce some extreme result, you are emphasizing the extreme nature of that thing or that person's activity.
[informal, emphasis]
The stink was fit to knock you down.
...hour after hour, the same exercises until you're fit to drop!
Fit is also an adverb.
Wally was laughing fit to burst.
You're shivering fit to die, Gracie.
13.
See to see fit
14. See also fitted, fitting
15. fit the bill
16. to fit like a glove
17. not in a fit state
Phrasal verbs:
See fit in
See fit into
See fit out
See fit up
More Synonyms of fit
fit healthy
(fɪt)
Word forms: comparative fitter, superlative fittest
1. adjective
Someone who is fit is healthy and physically strong.
An averagely fit person can master easy ski runs within a few days.
fitnessuncountable noun [oft NOUN noun]
...women who regularly engage in sports and fitness activities.
Squash was once thought to offer all-round fitness.
Synonyms: health, strength, good health, vigour More Synonyms of fit
2. adjective
If you describe someone as fit, you mean that they are good-looking.
[British, informal]
About an hour later a really fit guy came up to me on the dance floor.
3. fit as a fiddle
4. fighting fit
fit uncontrollable movements or emotions
(fɪt)
Word forms: plural fits
1. countable noun
If someone has a fit they suddenly lose consciousness and their body makes uncontrollable movements.
About two in every five epileptic fits occur during sleep.
Once a fit has started there is nothing you can do to stop it.
Synonyms: seizure, attack, bout, spasm More Synonyms of fit
2. countable noun
If you have a fit of coughing or laughter, you suddenly start coughing or laughing in an uncontrollable way.
He went into a protracted fit of coughing. [+ of]
It was so unreal that I broke into a fit of giggles.
Synonyms: bout, burst, outbreak, outburst More Synonyms of fit
3. countable noun
If you do something in a fit of anger or panic, you are very angry or afraid when you do it.
to be appropriate or suitable for (a situation, etc)
2.
to be of the correct size or shape for (a connection, container, etc)
3. (transitive)
to adjust in order to render appropriate
they had to fit the idea to their philosophy
4. (transitive)
to supply with that which is needed
5. (transitive)
to try clothes on (someone) in order to make adjustments if necessary
6. (transitive)
to make competent or ready
the experience helped to fit him for the task
7. (transitive)
to locate with care
8. (intransitive)
to correspond with the facts or circumstances
adjectiveWord forms: fitter or fittest
9.
suitable to a purpose or design; appropriate
10.
having the right qualifications; qualifying
11.
in good health
12.
worthy or deserving
a book fit to be read
13. (foll by an infinitive)
in such an extreme condition that a specified consequence is likely
she was fit to scream
you look fit to drop
14. mainly British informal
(of a person) sexually attractive
noun
15.
the manner in which something fits
16.
the act or process of fitting
17. statistics
the correspondence between observed and predicted characteristics of a distribution or model
goodness of fit
Derived forms
fittable (ˈfittable)
adjective
Word origin
C14: probably from Middle Dutch vitten; related to Old Norse fitja to knit
fit in British English2
(fɪt)
noun
1. pathology
a sudden attack or convulsion, such as an epileptic seizure
2.
a sudden spell of emotion
a fit of anger
3.
an impulsive period of activity or lack of activity; mood
a fit of laziness
4. give a person a fit
5. have a fit
6. in fits and starts
verbWord forms: fits, fitting or fitted
7. (intransitive) informal
to have a sudden attack or convulsion, such as an epileptic seizure
Word origin
Old English fitt conflict; see fit3
fit in British English3
(fɪt)
noun
archaic
a story or song or a section of a story or song
Word origin
Old English fitt; related to Old Norse fit hem, Old High German fizza yarn
fit in American English1
(fɪt)
verb transitiveWord forms: ˈfitted or fit, ˈfitting
1.
to be suitable or adapted to; be in accord with
let the punishment fit the crime
2.
to be the proper size, shape, etc. for
3.
a.
to make or alter so as to fit
b.
to measure (a person) for something that must be fitted
fit him for a brace
4.
to make suitable or qualified
his training fits him for the job
5.
a.
to insert, as into a receptacle
to fit a key in a lock
b.
to make a place for
with in or into
to fit another passenger into the crowded car
6.
to equip; outfit
often with out
verb intransitive
7. Archaic
to be suitable or proper
8.
to be suitably adapted; be in accord or harmony
often with in or into
9.
to have the proper size or shape for a particular figure, space, etc.
his coat fits well; this won't fit into the box
adjectiveWord forms: ˈfitter or ˈfittest
10.
adapted, adjusted, qualified, or suited to some purpose, function, situation, etc.
food fit to eat
11.
proper; right; appropriate
12.
in good physical condition; healthy
13. Informal
disturbed enough; inclined
she was fit to scream
noun
14.
the condition of fitting or being fitted
15.
the manner or degree of fitting or of fitting together
a good fit, a tight fit
16.
anything that fits
Idioms:
fit to be tied
fit to kill
SYNONYMY NOTE: fit1, the broadest term here, means having the qualities or qualifications to meet somecondition, circumstance, purpose, or demand [fit for a king]; suitable is applied to that which accords with the requirements or needs of the occasion orcircumstances [shoes suitable for hiking]; proper implies reference to that which naturally or rightfully belongs to something or suggestsa fitness or suitability dictated by good judgment [proper respect for one's elders]; that is appropriate which is especially or distinctively fit or suitable; , fitting is applied to that which accords harmoniously with the character, spirit, or toneof something; , apt1, in this connection, is used of that which is exactly suited to the purpose [an apt phrase]
Word origin
ME fitten < ? or akin ? to ON fitja, to knit, tie ends of thread, akin to OHG fizza, skein of thread, ult. < IE *pedyo-, fetter, lit., of the foot < base *ped-, foot
fit in American English2
(fɪt)
noun
1.
any sudden, uncontrollable attack; paroxysm
a fit of coughing
2.
a.
a sharp, brief display of feeling
a fit of anger
b.
a transient mood
a fit of the blues
3.
a temporary burst of activity
4. Medicine
a seizure in which the victim loses consciousness, has convulsions, etc.
Idioms:
by fits (and starts)
have a fit
Word origin
ME < OE (rare) fitt, conflict
fit in American English3
(fɪt)
noun
Obsolete
a section of a poem, ballad, or song
Word origin
ME fitte < OE fitt, akin to OS (Latinized) pl. vitteas, sections of a poem (the Heliand), OHG fizza: see fit1
More idioms containing
fit
fit like a glove
fit to be tied
fit as a fiddle
fighting fit
fit the bill
Examples of 'fit' in a sentence
fit
The simple answer is he has got himself fit again.
The Sun (2016)
It fits well across a whole mattress.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It was to make the seat fit.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
These fluffy sliders with sequin pineapples on them fit the bill perfectly.
The Sun (2017)
The council admitted teams do assess whether potential carers are fit enough.
The Sun (2016)
The story doesn't fit into the movie format.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The fit is really good, though.
The Sun (2017)
An inquest found his death was the result of natural causes, after he suffered an epileptic fit.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
This is probably because dog owners get extra wellbeing points because they are physically fitter than the general population and spend more time outside.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
And seeing his only fit, recognised full-back crash to the floor clutching his left hamstring only made matters worse.
The Sun (2016)
Exercise can leave you fit to drop rather than just fit.
The Sun (2013)
People who are physically fit are less vulnerable to pressures.
Munro, Bill Dr. & Munro, Frances Beat Stress (1992)
They fitted locks on the fridge and larder.
The Sun (2010)
She struggled to find clothes to fit and avoided going out with friends.
The Sun (2015)
Other banks may see fit to follow its lead.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
People say things in a fit of anger.
The Sun (2007)
We felt we should just try and get it sorted and get him fit again.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The fit of a story is extremely important.
Christianity Today (2000)
Make sure it fits securely and protects your forehead.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
This could be a huge epileptic fit or a car crash.
The Sun (2014)
It is also easy to fit lights to your rear fork.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The resulting beer feels like a good fit too.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
You are ready to go after a job you know fits well with your personality.
The Sun (2007)
Is our exam system fit for purpose?
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The fact that he was so so fit and strong makes it all the harder to take.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
You can change what you are eating and fit it into your lifestyle right now.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
It takes hours to properly fit limbs.
The Sun (2010)
You have to be fit and healthy in the army.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
You need to be reasonably fit and willing to take sudden changes of itinerary in your stride.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Remind your landlord how you fit the bill and highlight the advantages of keeping you.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
She was in hospital for a month before being deemed fit enough to move to a nursing home.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The most common symptoms of brain tumours that people first go to the doctor with are headaches and fits ( seizures ).
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
In other languages
fit
British English: fit /fɪt/ ADJECTIVE
If something is fit for a particular purpose, it is suitable for that purpose.
Only two of the seven bicycles were fit for the road.
American English: fit
Arabic: صَالِح
Brazilian Portuguese: em boa forma
Chinese: 合适的
Croatian: podesan
Czech: vhodný
Danish: egnet
Dutch: geschikt
European Spanish: adecuado
Finnish: sopiva
French: adapté
German: gesund
Greek: κατάλληλος
Italian: adatto
Japanese: 適した
Korean: 알맞은
Norwegian: egnet
Polish: odpowiedni
European Portuguese: em boa forma
Romanian: potrivit
Russian: подходящий
Latin American Spanish: apto
Swedish: i god form
Thai: เหมาะ
Turkish: uygun
Ukrainian: придатний
Vietnamese: phù hợp
British English: fit /fɪt/ NOUN
If something is a good fit, it fits well.
Eventually he was happy that the doors were a good fit.
American English: fit
Arabic: مِقْياس
Brazilian Portuguese: encaixamento
Chinese: 适合
Croatian: pristajanje
Czech: střih oděv
Danish: passer godt
Dutch: passend
European Spanish: quedar bien acceso
Finnish: sopivuus
French: être à la bonne taille
German: Anfall Anfälle
Greek: ταίριασμα
Italian: misura
Japanese: 発作
Korean: 어울림
Norwegian: anfall
Polish: dopasowywanie
European Portuguese: convulsão
Romanian: ceva care se potrivește
Russian: пригонка
Latin American Spanish: ajuste
Swedish: anfall utbrott
Thai: ความพอดี
Turkish: uyma
Ukrainian: підходити
Vietnamese: sự vừa vặn
British English: fit /fɪt/ VERB
If something fits you, it is the right size and shape for you.
These shoes don't fit me.
She couldn't find trousers which would fit at the waist.