fit
fit — verb
- fitpresent simple I / you / we / they
- fitshe / she / it
- fittedpast simple
- fitpast simple
- fitting-ing form
1. When an object fits a particular space or opening, it has the right measurements
When an object fits a particular space or opening, it has the right measurements to go into that space — not too big, too wide, or too tall to enter.
Ishmael checked whether the suitcase would fit into the overhead compartment on the plane.
fit + into + [physical space]
The sofa could not fit through the apartment door, so the team took it back to the store.
fit + through + [narrow opening]
This key does not fit the lock on the garden shed — we must have picked up the wrong one.
The refrigerator fits perfectly in the space between the counter and the wall.
文法句型
fit + [space/opening]
fit + into/through/in/on + [space]
用法筆記
Commonly used with prepositions that describe direction or position: into, through, in, on, under. The transitive form (fit + object) most often appears with lock, socket, slot, or opening.
常見錯誤
2. To place a thing or person into a space where there is enough room for them, or
To place a thing or person into a space where there is enough room for them, or to have enough capacity to contain a certain number.
We can fit four people in the back seat if the children sit in the middle.
fit + [number of people] + in + [location]
Hoa fitted the camping gear into the trunk before leaving for the weekend trip.
The dentist said she could fit me in at four o'clock tomorrow afternoon.
This minibus can fit up to twelve passengers along with their luggage.
Can you fit one more chair at the table for our guest from out of town?
- accommodate
more formal, used for capacity rather than physical placement
- squeeze in
informal, suggests a tight or difficult placement
- make room for
phrase, emphasises creating space rather than using existing space
文法句型
fit + [person/thing] + [preposition + location]
fit + [number] + [people/things] + in/into
用法筆記
When used for scheduling (fit someone in), the object is always a person and the context is a busy timetable. The capacity sense (fit twelve passengers) is always followed by a number and refers to maximum capacity.
3. When you say an item of clothing fits, it means the garment's dimensions match y
When you say an item of clothing fits, it means the garment's dimensions match your body measurements properly — not too tight, loose, long, or short in any area.
The blue jacket fits me perfectly across the shoulders, but it is a little tight around the waist.
fit + [person] + across/around + [body part]
Élise tried on three dresses at the store before finding one that actually fit.
intransitive: [clothing] + fit
These running shoes do not fit me any more — my feet have grown since last year.
If the trousers fit well at the waist, you can have the legs shortened by a tailor.
Kian tried on the uniform, and it fit him much better than the old one did.
- be the right size for
explanatory phrase, useful when the learner needs to paraphrase
文法句型
fit + [person]
fit + adverb (well/perfectly/tightly)
[clothing] + fits
用法筆記
Unlike sense 1 (object entering a space), this sense always involves a person's body. The subject is always an item of clothing, shoe, or wearable accessory. Passive forms (be fitted for) exist in tailoring contexts: 'He was fitted for a new suit.'
常見錯誤
4. To be so precisely the right size and shape that there is no extra space, loosen
To be so precisely the right size and shape that there is no extra space, looseness, or movement between the object and what it goes into or onto.
The dress fits her like a glove — the tailor did a wonderful job with the alterations.
idiomatic: fit + like a glove
The round lid fits snugly over the container, keeping the food fresh for days.
fit + snugly + over
Hoa's hiking boots fit so comfortably that she forgets she is wearing them during long walks.
The wooden puzzle piece fits perfectly into its gap with no space left around the edges.
- fit like a glove
fixed idiom, exclusively for clothing
- match exactly
broader use, not limited to physical fit
文法句型
fit + adverb (perfectly/snugly/well)
fit + like a + [noun]
用法筆記
This sense intensifies sense 3 (CLOTHING SIZE) and sense 1 (FIT INTO SPACE) by adding the idea of zero tolerance — no looseness, no gap. It is often used with adverbs like perfectly, snugly, exactly, or with the fixed idiom fit like a glove.
5. To be appropriate, acceptable, or well-matched to a particular situation, purpos
To be appropriate, acceptable, or well-matched to a particular situation, purpose, need, or description — so that a thing or person suits the context it is used in.
Her calm and steady voice fits the serious mood of the ceremony very well.
fit + [mood/atmosphere]
The punishment should fit the crime in any fair system of justice.
fixed phrase: fit the crime
Does next Tuesday fit your schedule for our project meeting, or is that too soon?
This beginner course fits the needs of students who have never written computer code before.
The suspect fits the description that the witness gave to the police officer.
- suit
interchangeable in many contexts; 'suit' can also imply visual harmony ('blue suits you')
- match
emphasises correspondence between two things
- be appropriate for
more formal register
- be unsuitable for
direct opposite
- clash with
suggests active incompatibility
文法句型
fit + [situation/need/purpose]
fit + [description/profile]
fit + for + [purpose]
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 (FIT INTO SPACE): sense 5 is abstract suitability, never physical dimensions. The fixed phrase 'fit the crime' is common in legal and moral contexts; 'fit the bill' is an informal idiom meaning 'be exactly what is needed'.
常見錯誤
6. To put a piece of equipment, a device, or a part into its correct position withi
To put a piece of equipment, a device, or a part into its correct position within something else, typically as a permanent addition or upgrade.
The technician fitted a new smoke alarm in the hallway ceiling last Tuesday morning.
fit + [device] + in/on + [location]
We plan to fit solar panels on the roof next spring to reduce our electricity bills.
The new company car was fitted with air conditioning as a standard feature at no extra cost.
Mauricio fitted a strong new lock on the front gate after the delivery packages went missing.
Ife had the kitchen fitted with new oak cabinets before the family reunion dinner.
- install
more formal, preferred in American English, emphasises the technical process
- mount
used when the item is attached to a wall or surface
- equip with
focuses on the provision rather than the physical placement
- remove
to take out something that was fitted
文法句型
fit + [object] + [preposition + location]
be fitted with + [equipment]
have + [object] + fitted
用法筆記
Common in passive constructions (be fitted with) for describing standard features of products. The pattern 'have something fitted' is used when someone else does the installation. In British English, 'fit' is more common for home installations; American English often prefers 'install'.
常見錯誤
7. to experience a sudden episode where your body moves uncontrollably, caused by a
to experience a sudden episode where your body moves uncontrollably, caused by a medical condition such as epilepsy or a very high fever.
Tariro watched helplessly as her younger brother began to fit on the kitchen floor.
bare verb 'fit' used for seizure onset
The nurse noted that three-year-old Sofie had fitted twice during the night.
Dogs with epilepsy sometimes fit when they become very excited or stressed.
Dr. Hao explained that some children fit only when they run a very high fever.
The patient's whole body fitted for almost two minutes before the medicine worked.
- have a seizure
the standard medical and everyday expression, much more widely understood
- convulse
focuses on the physical shaking movements; C1-level vocabulary
文法句型
fit (no object)
have a fit / have a seizure (more common)
用法筆記
The verb 'fit' in this sense is much less common than the noun phrases 'have a fit' or 'have a seizure'. In everyday speech, most English speakers say 'had a seizure' or 'had a fit' rather than 'fitted'.
常見錯誤
8. to supply someone with the necessary training, skills, or personal qualities tha
to supply someone with the necessary training, skills, or personal qualities that make them ready to take on a specific role or type of work — for example, fitting a new recruit for a sales position through intensive training.
The training programme aims to fit new employees for their specific duties.
fit + object + for + noun (active voice)
A good education should fit young people for the challenges of adult life.
modal + fit + object + for + abstract noun
The university's internship program fits students for careers in engineering.
Kevin's years of experience fit him well for the leadership role.
This course is designed to fit trainees for work in the tourism industry.
文法句型
fit + noun + for + noun
be fitted for + noun
fit + noun + well / perfectly + for + noun
用法筆記
Common in formal and professional contexts such as job training, education, and career development. The object is typically a person or group, and the preposition 'for' introduces the role or task. Distinguish from sense 5 (verb/5: BE SUITABLE), which describes an existing state of being appropriate, not an active process of making someone ready.
常見錯誤
fit — noun
- fitsingular
- fitsplural
1. a medical event in which a person suddenly loses control of their body, often fa
a medical event in which a person suddenly loses control of their body, often falls down, and may become unconscious for a short time, typically caused by a condition such as epilepsy
Chidi's younger brother had his first fit when he was just three years old.
have + a fit (medical seizure)
The passenger on the train suffered a fit and needed immediate medical attention.
suffer + a fit
During the fit, the patient's arms and legs moved uncontrollably for nearly two minutes.
Dr. Okafor explained that not all fits are caused by epilepsy.
- seizure
the more clinical and formal medical term; preferred by doctors and in medical writing
- convulsion
focuses on the violent, uncontrolled muscle movements rather than the loss of consciousness
- attack
broader term that can describe any sudden medical episode, not specific to convulsions
文法句型
have + a fit
suffer + a fit
用法筆記
Frequently paired with the verbs 'have' or 'suffer'. The phrase 'epileptic fit' specifies the medical cause, but the word 'fit' alone is also widely used for seizure events. This sense is less common in everyday conversation than the metaphorical idiom 'have a fit' (see idioms below).
常見錯誤
2. a short period of time during which someone experiences a strong emotion, a phys
a short period of time during which someone experiences a strong emotion, a physical reaction, or a burst of activity that they cannot easily control
The children burst into a fit of giggles when the teacher slipped on the floor.
a fit of giggles / laughter
Hassan's loud snoring was interrupted by a sudden fit of coughing.
a fit of coughing (physical reaction)
Omar cleaned the garage in fits and starts because he kept getting phone calls.
After losing the game, Antonia slammed the door in a fit of frustration.
文法句型
a fit of + [emotion/activity noun]
用法筆記
Most often followed by 'of + noun' specifying the emotion or reaction (e.g. 'fit of anger', 'fit of laughter', 'fit of sneezing'). The plural idiom 'in fits and starts' describes activity that is not continuous — it is a fixed expression and does not follow the 'of + noun' pattern.
常見錯誤
3. the degree to which a piece of clothing, shoe, or other object matches the size
the degree to which a piece of clothing, shoe, or other object matches the size and shape of the person or space it is made for, describing how comfortable or suitable it is
The tailor checked the fit of the jacket and marked where it needed changes.
the fit of + [clothing]
Running shoes should have a snug fit around the heel but room at the toes.
a snug / good / perfect fit
Jisoo tried on three different sizes before she found a dress with a perfect fit.
The sofa had a tight fit through the doorway and left scratches on both sides.
文法句型
a good / perfect / loose / tight fit
the fit of + [clothing/item]
用法筆記
Commonly modified by adjectives such as 'good', 'perfect', 'snug', 'loose', or 'tight'. Can refer to clothing on a body or an object in a space (e.g. 'the fit of a key in a lock', 'the fit of a sofa in a room').
常見錯誤
4. items of clothing designed to be worn together for a specific sport, pastime, or
items of clothing designed to be worn together for a specific sport, pastime, or event, such as a tracksuit or a formal suit
The cycling team wore matching red and white fits for the race.
[sport] + fit (cycling fit)
Christopher packed a gym fit, a swimsuit, and smart shoes for the conference trip.
Élise ordered a new ski fit online and hoped the jacket would match the trousers.
The store had a whole section dedicated to running fits with breathable fabric.
文法句型
[sport/activity] + fit
用法筆記
This sense is informal and more common in British English. It is often used in sports and fitness contexts (e.g. 'gym fit', 'cycling fit') and sometimes for coordinated outfits (e.g. 'a matching fit'). In American English, 'outfit' is preferred for this meaning.
常見錯誤
fit — adjective
- fitpositive
- fittercomparative
- fittestsuperlative
1. in good physical condition, usually because you exercise regularly and take care
in good physical condition, usually because you exercise regularly and take care of your body
Tara runs five kilometres every day and is very fit.
After months of training, Feng felt fit enough to join the mountain-climbing team.
fit enough + to-infinitive for reaching a goal
The doctor said that regular swimming keeps her fit and healthy.
Baraka was not fit enough to play in Saturday's match after his knee injury.
A fit body helps you enjoy life more and reduces the risk of illness.
文法句型
fit + enough + to-infinitive
keep + object + fit
feel/stay/get fit
用法筆記
Predicative use ('she is fit') is much more common than attributive ('a fit person'). The attributive form often appears in set phrases like 'fit body' or 'fit lifestyle'.
常見錯誤
2. right or acceptable for a given task, need, or set of circumstances — for exampl
right or acceptable for a given task, need, or set of circumstances — for example, a tool well suited to a job, or a candidate right for a role
This old wooden table is not fit for the kitchen because it is too weak.
fit for + noun (purpose)
Elena looked for a candidate fit for the manager role.
The water from that well was not clean and was not fit to drink.
Christopher thought the punishment was fit for the crime he had committed.
Is this film fit for children to watch alone?
- suitable
near-synonym, more general; 'fit' often implies a close or exact match
- appropriate
more formal, emphasises correctness for the situation
- good enough
informal, implies meeting a minimum standard
- unsuitable
not right or acceptable for a particular purpose
- inappropriate
formal, not suitable in a given situation
文法句型
fit + for + noun
fit + to-infinitive
fit + for + noun + to-infinitive
用法筆記
This sense focuses on inherent suitability or acceptability. Distinguish from sense 7 (READY/PREPARED), which describes a temporary state of readiness rather than a quality of being appropriate.
常見錯誤
3. in a state where you are too upset, ill, tired, or drunk to do something properl
in a state where you are too upset, ill, tired, or drunk to do something properly
After working for fourteen hours straight, Sirin was not fit to drive home safely.
not fit + to-infinitive (unable due to exhaustion)
Omar was so angry that he was fit to burst with rage.
fit + to-infinitive meaning 'almost doing something'
Élise laughed so hard that she was not fit to speak for several minutes.
Theo drank too much at the party and was not fit to walk home alone.
- unable to
neutral, less vivid; does not convey the extreme condition
- in no state to
idiomatic, similar meaning of being too affected to function
文法句型
not fit + to-infinitive
fit to + infinitive (meaning 'almost')
用法筆記
When used positively ('fit to burst', 'fit to drop'), the meaning shifts to 'almost doing something' or 'at the point of doing something' due to an extreme state. The negative construction ('not fit to') is more common and literal.
常見錯誤
4. safe and suitable to be eaten or drunk, without any danger of illness or harm
safe and suitable to be eaten or drunk, without any danger of illness or harm
The milk smelled strange, so it was no longer fit to drink.
fit + to-infinitive for edibility testing
After the power cut, some food in the fridge was still fit to eat.
These vegetables do not look fit for human consumption anymore.
The tap water in this city is clean and fit to drink without boiling.
- safe to eat
more direct and common in everyday conversation
- edible
formal, simply means can be eaten without poison risk
- unfit for consumption
the formal antonym, used in warnings and labels
- inedible
not safe or suitable to be eaten
文法句型
fit to eat/drink
fit for human consumption
fit for + noun
用法筆記
Common in contexts about food safety, expiration, and water quality. The phrase 'fit for human consumption' is more formal and often appears in regulations or news reports about product recalls.
常見錯誤
5. to judge that a certain step or choice is the right one under the circumstances,
to judge that a certain step or choice is the right one under the circumstances, especially when the decision may be questioned by others
The committee saw fit to reject the proposal without waiting for a vote.
see fit to + infinitive (formal decision)
Ilan did not think fit to mention the problem until the meeting was over.
think fit to + infinitive
The owners saw fit to close the restaurant for a month of major renovations.
Sophia hoped her boss would see fit to give her a promotion after the project.
- consider appropriate
more neutral; lacks the implication of possible disagreement
- deem suitable
formal, similar meaning but rarer in everyday use
文法句型
see fit to + infinitive
think fit to + infinitive
用法筆記
This sense only occurs in the fixed construction 'see/think fit to + infinitive'. The subject is typically an authority figure or institution. The expression often implies that the decision may be controversial or unexpected.
常見錯誤
6. (informal, British English) sexually attractive, especially with reference to a
(informal, British English) sexually attractive, especially with reference to a person's appearance or body
Evelyn's friends all agreed that the new waiter was really fit.
predicative use in informal British slang
The actor was voted the fittest man in Britain by a magazine poll.
Baraka said he thought the singer was fit, but his sister disagreed.
Some young people in Britain use the word 'fit' to describe anyone they find attractive.
- hot
similar register, widely used in both British and American English
- good-looking
neutral register, broader meaning not limited to sexual attraction
- ugly
direct antonym but very strong; 'unattractive' is less harsh
文法句型
be fit
look fit
think + object + is fit
用法筆記
Primarily British slang; in American English, 'fit' almost never carries this meaning and would be misunderstood. This sense is very common among younger speakers but may sound dated or casual to older generations.
常見錯誤
❌ Using 'fit' to mean 'sexy' in American English contexts — it is not understood that way in the US.
7. describes someone or something that has reached such an extreme physical or emot
describes someone or something that has reached such an extreme physical or emotional state that they are almost about to do a particular thing
After walking 20 kilometres, Imran was fit to drop.
fit + to-infinitive: expressing extreme exhaustion
The old suitcase was so full that it was fit to burst.
When she saw the mess in the kitchen, Mira was fit to scream.
Eshe was so angry about the broken window that she was fit to be tied.
João was laughing fit to burst at the comedian's jokes.
- far from
emphasises that someone is not even close to a particular state or action
文法句型
fit + to-infinitive
用法筆記
Often used in semi-fixed expressions where the infinitive verb describes the action the person or thing feels close to doing. Common combinations include 'fit to drop' (extremely tired), 'fit to burst' (very full or emotional), and 'fit to be tied' (very angry). Requires a form of 'to be' before 'fit'.