fit

I UK [fɪt] / US verb
Word forms "fit":
present tense I/you/we/they fit he/she/it fits present participle fitting past tense fitted or fit past participle fitted or fit
***

Usage note:

In British English, the past tense and past participle is usually fitted. For meanings 6, 7, and 8, the past tense and past participle is always fitted.

1)

a) [intransitive, never progressive] if someone or something fits somewhere, they are small enough or the right size and shape to go there

I don't think that box will fit.

fit in/into/on etc:

The book is small enough to fit in your pocket.

I redesigned the chart so that it fitted onto one page.

The cover fits neatly over the pipe.

Can we all fit around the table?

b) [transitive, never progressive] if you can fit a person or thing somewhere, there is enough space for you to put them there

I couldn't fit my head through the gap.

fit something into/onto/over something:

She can fit two more people into her car.

2) [intransitive/transitive, never progressive] if clothes fit, they are the right size for you

It is important that children's shoes fit correctly.

I like the suit, but the jacket doesn't fit me.

fit (someone) like a glove (= fit extremely well):

The dress fitted her like a glove.

3)

a) [intransitive, never progressive] to be suitable or similar enough to belong to a group

fit into:

His writing did not fit into any traditional literary category.

fit with:

Their policies do not fit with the ideal of democratic government.

b) [transitive] to put something in a particular place or group because it belongs there

fit something into/with something:

You can't fit all types of human behaviour into a clear pattern.

4) [intransitive/transitive, never progressive] to be the truth, or to be the same as what someone describes or asks for

Something in her story did not fit.

None of the candidates fits our criteria.

fit the description of:

He fits the description of a man seen running away from the scene.

5) [intransitive/transitive, never progressive] to be suitable or right for something

We need a name that fits our image.

fit with:

A dark wooden table wouldn't fit with the decoration in here.

6) [transitive, usually passive] to measure a person and then provide the correct size of clothing or piece of equipment

When you buy a new suit, you should be professionally fitted.

fit someone for something:

I'm taking the children to be fitted for new shoes.

fit someone with something:

Mr Clayton was fitted with a hearing aid.

have something fitted:

She's had a brace fitted (= to make her teeth straight).

7) [transitive, usually passive] to add a piece of equipment to something else

We were advised to fit a burglar alarm.

fit something with something:

Some cars are fitted with hand controls for people with physical disabilities.

fit something to/onto something:

You can fit a bike rack to the rear of your car.

8) [transitive] British formal to provide someone with the qualifications or qualities that they need for a job or a particular purpose

fit someone/something for something:

Everything in his background fitted him for a diplomatic career.

•

- fit the bill

Phrasal verbs:

- fit in

- fit in with

- fit out

- fit together

- fit up

II UK [fɪt] / US adjective
Word forms "fit":
adjective fit comparative fitter superlative fittest
**

1) healthy, strong, and able to do physical exercise without getting very tired

Running around after the kids keeps me fit.

fit for:

McCarthy hopes to be fit for the match on Saturday.

fit to do something:

You have to be reasonably fit to do this job.

get fit:

I need to get fit before the football season starts.

See:

fiddle II, keep fit

2) in a good enough physical or mental condition

fit to do something:

The accused was declared fit to stand trial.

not in a fit state/in no fit state:

You are in no fit state to drive.

3) of a good enough standard for someone or something

fit for:

He seems to think that typing documents is all I'm fit for.

The house was not fit for human habitation.

fit to do something:

He is not fit to be a teacher.

fit to eat/drink:

That wine is not fit to drink.

fit for a king/queen (= of very high quality):

She made me a dress fit for a queen.

4) informal sexually attractive: used mainly by young people

•

laughing/crying/coughing fit to bust/burst — British

informal laughing/crying etc a lot

see/think fit — to decide that something is the best thing to do. You often use this expression to refer to decisions or actions that you do not agree with

She did not see fit to apologize for her behaviour.

The court will deal with the matter as it thinks fit.

- fit to drop

III UK [fɪt] / US noun
Word forms "fit":
singular fit plural fits
**

1)

a) [countable] a strong sudden physical reaction you cannot control, for example coughing or laughing

fits of laughter:

Everyone collapsed in fits of laughter.

a fit of the giggles:

Julie suddenly got a fit of the giggles.

a coughing/sneezing fit:

When his sneezing fit was over, Milton resumed lecturing.

b) a sudden strong emotion that you cannot control

a fit of rage/jealousy/panic:

She smashed the plate in a fit of rage.

fit of depression:

He often suffers from fits of depression.

2) [countable] informal an occasion when someone becomes unconscious for a short time and their body shakes

have/suffer a fit:

She has epilepsy and suffers frequent fits.

3) [singular] used for saying whether something is the right size and shape for someone or something

When buying a rucksack, it is important to get a good fit.

You can adjust the width of the boot to get a better fit.

a tight fit:

The sofa will go in here but it's a tight fit.

•

by/in fits and starts — stopping and starting again many times, rather than progressing steadily

Efforts at reform seem to come in fits and starts.

have/throw a fit — informal to get very angry and shout or become violent

We'd better clear up before Mary arrives. She'll have a fit otherwise.

- in fits