First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1fit
noun \ˈfit\
Definition of FIT
archaic : a division of a poem or song
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Origin of FIT
Middle English, from Old English fitt; akin to Old Saxon fittea division of a poem, Old High German fizza skein
2fit
adjective
: proper or acceptable : morally or socially correct
: suitable for a specified purpose
: physically healthy and strong
fit·terfit·test
Full Definition of FIT
1
a (1) : adapted to an end or design : suitable by nature or by art (2) : adapted to the environment so as to be capable of surviving b : acceptable from a particular viewpoint (as of competence or morality) : proper <a movie fit for the whole family>
2
a : put into a suitable state : made ready <get the house fit for company> b : being in such a state as to be or seem ready to do or suffer something <fair fit to cry I was — Bryan MacMahon> <laughing fit to burst>
3
: sound physically and mentally : healthy
— fit·ly adverb
— fit to be tied
: extremely angry or irritated
— fit to kill
: in a striking manner <dressed fit to kill>
See fit defined for English-language learners
See fit defined for kids
Origin of FIT
Middle English; akin to Middle English fitten
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to FIT
- Synonyms
- applicable, appropriate, apt, becoming, befitting, felicitous, fitted, fitting, good, happy, meet, pretty, proper, right, suitable, in order
- Antonyms
- improper, inapplicable, inapposite, inappropriate, inapt, incongruous, indecent, infelicitous, malapropos, misbecoming, unapt, unbecoming, unbeseeming, unfit, unfitting, unhappy, unmeet, unseemly, unsuitable, wrong
Synonym Discussion of FIT
fit, suitable, meet, proper, appropriate, fitting, apt, happy, felicitous mean right with respect to some end, need, use, or circumstance. fit stresses adaptability and sometimes special readiness for use or action <fit for battle>. suitable implies an answering to requirements or demands <clothes suitable for camping>. meet suggests a just proportioning <meet payment>. proper suggests a suitability through essential nature or accordance with custom <proper acknowledgement>. appropriate implies eminent or distinctive fitness <an appropriate gift>. fitting implies harmony of mood or tone <a fitting end>. apt connotes a fitness marked by nicety and discrimination <apt quotations>. happy suggests what is effectively or successfully appropriate <a happy choice of words>. felicitous suggests an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful <a felicitous phrase>.
3fit
noun
Definition of FIT
1
a : a sudden violent attack of a disease (as epilepsy) especially when marked by convulsions or unconsciousness : paroxysm b : a sudden but transient attack of a physical disturbance
2
: a sudden burst or flurry (as of activity) <cleaned the whole house in a fit of efficiency>
3
: an emotional reaction (as in anger or frustration) <has a fit when I show up late>
— by fits or by fits and starts or in fits and starts
: in an impulsive and irregular manner <construction proceeded by fits and starts>
Origin of FIT
Middle English, from Old English fitt strife
First Known Use: circa 1541
4fit
verb
: to be the right size and shape for (someone or something)
: to go into or through a particular space
: to cause (something) to go into or through a particular space
fit·ted or fitfit·ting
Full Definition of FIT
transitive verb
1
a : to be suitable for or to : harmonize with b archaic : to be seemly or proper for <it fits us then to be as provident as fear may teach us — Shakespeare>
2
a : to conform correctly to the shape or size of <it doesn't fit me anymore> b (1) : to insert or adjust until correctly in place <fit the mechanism into the box> (2) : to make or adjust to the right shape and size <fitting the jacket to the customer> (3) : to measure for determining the specifications of something to be worn by <fitted him for a new suit> c : to make a place or room for : accommodate
3
: to be in agreement or accord with <the theory fits all the facts>
4
a : to put into a condition of readiness b : to cause to conform to or suit something
6
: to adjust (a smooth curve of a specified type) to a given set of points
intransitive verb
1
archaic : to be seemly, proper, or suitable
2
: to conform to a particular shape or size; also : to be accommodated <will we all fit into the car?>
See fit defined for English-language learners
Origin of FIT
Middle English fitten to marshal troops, from or akin to Middle Dutch vitten to be suitable
First Known Use: 15th century
Related to FIT
- Antonyms
- differ (from), disagree (with)
5fit
noun
Definition of FIT
: the fact, condition, or manner of fitting or being fitted: as a : the way clothing fits the wearer b : the degree of closeness between surfaces in an assembly of parts c : goodness of fit
First Known Use of FIT
1823
6fit
Definition of FIT
dialect past and past participle of fight
FIT Defined for Kids
1fit
adjective \ˈfit\
fit·terfit·test
Definition of FIT for Kids
1
: good enough : suitable for <fit to eat>
2
: physically healthy <He jogs to keep fit.>
3
: made ready <The sailors were getting the ship fit for sea.>
— fit·ness noun
2fit
noun
Definition of FIT for Kids
: a sudden attack or outburst <a fit of anger> <a fit of coughing>
3fit
verb
fit·tedfit·ting
Definition of FIT for Kids
1
: to be the right shape or size <This shirt doesn't fit any more.>
2
: to bring to the right shape or size <I had the suit fitted.>
3
: to find room or time for <Can you fit this in your suitcase?> <The doctor can fit you in tomorrow.>
4
: to go into a particular place <Will we all fit in your car?>
5
: to be suitable for or to <I dressed to fit the occasion.>
6
: equip <They fitted the ship with new engines.>
4fit
noun
Definition of FIT for Kids
: the way something fits <a tight fit>
Learn More About FIT
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