fit
fit
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "fit" is /fɪt/.
fit: /fɪt/
Word Form Variations
Verb: fit (base form), fits (third person singular present), fitted (past tense, past participle - when referring to adjusting/installing, or past tense of being suitable), fit (past tense, past participle - when referring to being suitable or proper), fitting (present participle)
Adjective: fit, fitting
Noun: fit (singular), fits (plural)
Adverb: fittingly
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Verb
Fit
To be of the right size or shape for someone or something.
Synonyms: suit, match, correspond, conform, be sized
Antonyms: misfit, not fit, be unsuitable
To be suitable or appropriate for; to be in harmony with.
Synonyms: suit, be appropriate, conform, belong, accord
Antonyms: clash, conflict, be unsuitable, contradict
To adjust or join something to another part or place.
Synonyms: install, attach, join, insert, fix, integrate
Antonyms: remove, detach, dismantle, dislodge
To supply or equip (someone or something) with something.
Synonyms: equip, supply, furnish, provide, outfit
Antonyms: strip, divest, deprive
Adjective
Fit
In good physical health; healthy and strong.
Synonyms: healthy, well, athletic, vigorous, trim, in shape
Antonyms: unfit, unhealthy, weak, out of shape, feeble
Suitable or appropriate for a particular purpose, person, or occasion.
Synonyms: suitable, appropriate, proper, apt, relevant, qualified
Antonyms: unsuitable, inappropriate, improper, unqualified, irrelevant
Noun
Fit
The way in which something (especially a garment) is suitable for a person's size and shape.
Synonyms: sizing, cut, tailoring, drape
Antonyms: looseness, tightness, bagginess, ill-fit
A sudden, brief period of an illness or an uncontrollable outburst of emotion.
Synonyms: seizure, attack, paroxysm, spasm, outburst, tantrum
Antonyms: calm, composure, control, recovery
(Informal, chiefly British) A person regarded as physically attractive.
Synonyms: hottie (informal), attractive person, looker (informal)
Antonyms: (no direct antonyms; refers to perception of attractiveness)
Adverb
Fittingly
In an appropriate or suitable manner.
Synonyms: appropriately, suitably, aptly, properly, relevantly
Antonyms: unfittingly, inappropriately, improperly
Examples of Use
Books
Self-help/Fitness Books: Many books focus on how to get and stay "fit." For example, Atomic Habits by James Clear discusses strategies to "fit healthy habits into your routine" (Avery, October 2018). Fitness guides detail exercises to help you get "fit."
Fiction: Characters might find clothes that don't "fit," or struggle to "fit in" with a group. "The key wouldn't fit the lock." A character might throw a "fit" of rage.
DIY/Manuals: Instructions often guide readers on how to "fit a new part" onto an appliance or furniture.
Newspapers
Health & Fitness Sections: Journalists write about ways to stay "fit" or the importance of physical "fitness. "Experts advise on how to stay fit during winter months" (The Washington Post, December 2024).
Sports Sections: Articles often discuss athletes needing to be in peak physical "fitness or a player's return to "fitness.
Business News: Reports might analyze how a new product "fits into the market landscape" or how a company is trying to "fit diverse employees into its culture."
Real Estate: Listings might describe a property as a "perfect fit for a growing family."
Online Publications
Fashion/Shopping Websites: Clothing retailers use "fit" to describe how garments are sized. Product descriptions mention "a relaxed fit" or "a true-to-size fit." "Use our size guide to find your perfect fit."
Health and Fitness Apps/Blogs: Many apps offer personalized workout plans to help users get "fit." Blogs provide articles like "How to Fit Exercise into Your Busy Schedule."
Tech Reviews: Reviewers discuss how headphones "fit" in the ear or how a new software feature "fits into the existing system."
Social Media: Users share their fitness journeys, using hashtags like #getfit or posting about a new outfit and its "fit." People might vent about "throwing a fit" over a minor inconvenience.
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Movies/TV Shows: Characters might try on clothes that don't "fit," or struggle to "fit in" at a new school. A dramatic scene might involve someone throwing a "fit" of anger or having a sudden "fit" (e.g., seizure). Dialogue might include, "Does this fit?" or "That doesn't fit with what you said earlier."
Video Games: Character customization often involves making clothes or armor "fit" the character model. Puzzles might require players to find the right piece to "fit" into a slot.
Music: Song lyrics sometimes use "fit" to describe compatibility or belonging. "We just don't fit together."
Reality TV (e.g., makeover shows): Shows focus on finding the perfect fit for clothes or a lifestyle.
General Public Discourse
Conversations: In daily speech, people commonly say, "These shoes don't fit," or "Does this time fit your schedule?" "I don't feel like I fit in here." "He had a fit when he found out."
Workplace: Colleagues discuss if a new hire is a good "fit" for the team or how to "fit all the tasks into the workday."
Shopping: Customers ask, "Does this shirt fit me?"
Medical Context: Discussions might involve a patient having a "seizure fit."
Figurative Use: "Fit for a king" (very suitable or luxurious) or "fit to be tied" (very angry) are common. "He was fit to be tied when he heard the news."
10 Quotes Using Fit
"If the shoe fits, wear it." (Common Proverb)
"A true leader knows how to fit seamlessly into any team, not just lead it."
"The key to genuine progress is learning to fit new ideas into established frameworks."
"Sometimes, the most courageous act is knowing precisely where you don't fit."
"To be genuinely healthy, one must diligently fit regular physical activity into daily life."
"Success is not about forcing every piece to fit, but rather finding the right puzzle."
"The hardest part of growing is often trying to fit into someone else's expectations."
"He found profound peace when he learned to simply fit himself into the present moment."
"A truly elegant solution must always fit the complexity of the problem perfectly."
"The challenge of living well is not just to survive, but to fit joy into every single day."
Etymology
The word "fit" comes from the Old English word "fitt," which meant "a struggle," "a conflict," or "a sudden attack or paroxysm" (like a fit of anger). It has roots in Germanic languages, relating to a sudden movement or intense effort.
The first known use of "fit" in English, with the meaning of "a struggle or conflict," dates back to before the 10th century. This early meaning evolved to describe a sudden, intense period of illness or emotion (like "a fit of coughing"). Separately, by the late 16th century, another sense of "fit" emerged, meaning "suitable" or "to be the right size," likely from a different, possibly Low German, root. So, the word has two main historical paths leading to its modern uses.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Fit
Fit as a fiddle: In excellent physical condition. "After her recovery, she was fit as a fiddle."
Fit for a king: Very suitable or luxurious, especially food or accommodation. "The meal was fit for a king."
Fit to be tied: Extremely angry or exasperated. "He was fit to be tied when he heard the news."
Fit the bill: To be suitable for a particular purpose; to be exactly what is needed. "This new software really fits the bill for our team."
Fit like a glove: To be perfectly suitable or to fit perfectly. "The custom suit fit like a glove."
Throw a fit: To have a sudden, uncontrolled outburst of anger or temper. "The child threw a fit when he didn't get his toy."
See fit: To consider proper or appropriate. "You may do as you see fit."
Fit in: To belong; to be socially comfortable in a group or situation. "He struggled to fit in at his new school."
Fit to burst: Filled to capacity; about to explode (often with laughter or anger). "She was fit to burst with excitement."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of fit from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
