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.
transitive: fit + [object]
The refrigerator fits perfectly in the space between the counter and the wall.
- fit into
- fit through
- fit in
- fit on
- fit under
Grammar Patterns
fit + [space/opening]
fit + into/through/in/on + [space]
Usage Note
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
fit + [person] + in (scheduling)
This minibus can fit up to twelve passengers along with their luggage.
fit + [number] + [people] (capacity)
Can you fit one more chair at the table for our guest from out of town?
- fit in
- fit into
- fit on
- fit up to
- 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
Grammar Patterns
fit + [person/thing] + [preposition + location]
fit + [number] + [people/things] + in/into
Usage Note
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.
fit + well + at + [body part]
Kian tried on the uniform, and it fit him much better than the old one did.
- fit well
- fit perfectly
- fit tightly
- fit loosely
- fit across
- fit around
- be the right size for
explanatory phrase, useful when the learner needs to paraphrase
Grammar Patterns
fit + [person]
fit + adverb (well/perfectly/tightly)
[clothing] + fits
Usage Note
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.'
Common Mistakes
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 + perfectly + into
- fit perfectly
- fit snugly
- fit exactly
- fit like a glove
- fit tightly
- fit like a glove
fixed idiom, exclusively for clothing
- match exactly
broader use, not limited to physical fit
Grammar Patterns
fit + adverb (perfectly/snugly/well)
fit + like a + [noun]
Usage Note
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?
fit + [schedule/calendar]
This beginner course fits the needs of students who have never written computer code before.
fit + the needs of + [person/group]
The suspect fits the description that the witness gave to the police officer.
fit + [description/profile]
- fit the description
- fit the crime
- fit the bill
- fit someone's needs
- fit the profile
- fit the mood
- 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
Grammar Patterns
fit + [situation/need/purpose]
fit + [description/profile]
fit + for + [purpose]
Usage Note
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'.
Common Mistakes
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.
passive: be fitted with + [feature]
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.
have + [object] + fitted with + [feature]
- fit with
- fit in
- fit onto
- be fitted with
- have something fitted
- 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
Grammar Patterns
fit + [object] + [preposition + location]
be fitted with + [equipment]
have + [object] + fitted
Usage Note
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'.
Common Mistakes
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.
present tense: animal + condition + trigger
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.
past tense 'fitted' describing seizure duration
- have a seizure
the standard medical and everyday expression, much more widely understood
- convulse
focuses on the physical shaking movements; C1-level vocabulary
Grammar Patterns
fit (no object)
have a fit / have a seizure (more common)
Usage Note
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'.
Common Mistakes
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.
fit + object + adverb + for + role
This course is designed to fit trainees for work in the tourism industry.
passive: 'be designed to' + fit + object + for + field
- fit + object + for + role
- be fitted for + position
- well fitted for / perfectly fitted for
Grammar Patterns
fit + noun + for + noun
be fitted for + noun
fit + noun + well / perfectly + for + noun
Usage Note
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.
Common Mistakes
fit in
phrasal verbTo be accepted or feel comfortable as part of a group or situation.
Maya quickly fit in with her new classmates.
Does this schedule fit in with your plans?
fit into
phrasal verbTo be the right size or shape to go inside something, or to be part of a system or plan.
The sofa won't fit into the small living room.
How does this new policy fit into our current strategy?
fit out
phrasal verbTo provide someone or something with the necessary equipment or clothing.
They fitted out the boat with new sails.
The company fitted out its employees with uniforms.
fit up
phrasal verbTo make someone appear guilty of a crime when they are not, or to equip a place with furniture or equipment.
The police tried to fit him up for the robbery.
We fitted up the new office with desks and chairs.
To be similar to a specific person or thing that has been described.
The suspect answers the description given by the witness.
Does this candidate fit the description of the ideal employee?
Used to say that someone will or will not get a job because of their appearance or personality, even if that should not matter.
If your face fits, you might get the promotion.
Her face didn't fit, so she was rejected despite her skills.
fill/fit the bill
idiomTo be exactly what is needed for a particular situation or purpose.
This small laptop fits the bill for traveling.
Does this candidate fill the bill for the manager position?
To be the perfect size or shape for someone, usually referring to clothing.
The new jacket fits me like a glove.
Her wedding dress fit her like a glove.
If a criticism or description applies to you, you should accept it.
If the shoe fits, you should apologize for your mistake.
He called you lazy. If the shoe fits, wear it.
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.
during + a fit
Dr. Okafor explained that not all fits are caused by epilepsy.
- have a fit
- suffer a fit
- epileptic fit
- fit lasts ... minutes
- trigger a fit
- 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
Grammar Patterns
have + a fit
suffer + a fit
Usage Note
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).
Common Mistakes
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.
in fits and starts (idiomatic: irregularly)
After losing the game, Antonia slammed the door in a fit of frustration.
in a fit of + emotion
- fit of laughter
- fit of anger
- fit of jealousy
- fit of coughing
- fit of sneezing
- in fits and starts
- burst into a fit of
Grammar Patterns
a fit of + [emotion/activity noun]
Usage Note
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
tight fit (for an object in a space)
- perfect fit
- good fit
- snug fit
- tight fit
- loose fit
- check the fit
- try for fit
Grammar Patterns
a good / perfect / loose / tight fit
the fit of + [clothing/item]
Usage Note
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').
Common Mistakes
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.
[activity] + fit (ski fit)
The store had a whole section dedicated to running fits with breathable fabric.
- gym fit
- cycling fit
- ski fit
- running fit
- matching fit
Grammar Patterns
[sport/activity] + fit
Usage Note
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.
Common Mistakes
have a fit
idiomto become very angry, shocked, or upset about something
Nila's mother will have a fit when she sees the kitchen covered in cake batter.
The manager had a fit when he discovered that the report was missing key data.
in fits and starts
idiomwith irregular periods of activity and stops; not happening in a steady or continuous way
The construction work continued in fits and starts because the weather kept changing.
Greta has been learning piano in fits and starts between school exams and travel.
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.
keep + object + 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.
- keep fit
- stay fit
- get fit
- feel fit
- fit and healthy
- fit enough
- physically fit
Grammar Patterns
fit + enough + to-infinitive
keep + object + fit
feel/stay/get fit
Usage Note
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'.
Common Mistakes
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.
fit + to-infinitive
Christopher thought the punishment was fit for the crime he had committed.
Is this film fit for children to watch alone?
fit + for + noun + to-infinitive
- fit for purpose
- fit for a role
- fit to eat
- fit to drink
- fit for human consumption
- 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
Grammar Patterns
fit + for + noun
fit + to-infinitive
fit + for + noun + to-infinitive
Usage Note
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
- not fit to drive
- fit to drop
- fit to burst
- not fit to speak
- fit to cry
- unable to
neutral, less vivid; does not convey the extreme condition
- in no state to
idiomatic, similar meaning of being too affected to function
Grammar Patterns
not fit + to-infinitive
fit to + infinitive (meaning 'almost')
Usage Note
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
fit for human consumption (formal/legal)
The tap water in this city is clean and fit to drink without boiling.
- fit to eat
- fit to drink
- fit for human consumption
- no longer fit
- still fit
- 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
Grammar Patterns
fit to eat/drink
fit for human consumption
fit for + noun
Usage Note
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
- see fit to
- think fit to
- did not see fit to
- consider appropriate
more neutral; lacks the implication of possible disagreement
- deem suitable
formal, similar meaning but rarer in everyday use
Grammar Patterns
see fit to + infinitive
think fit to + infinitive
Usage Note
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
- really fit
- so fit
- quite fit
- fittest person
- 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
Grammar Patterns
be fit
look fit
think + object + is fit
Usage Note
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.
Common Mistakes
❌ 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.
fit + to-infinitive showing emotional reaction
Eshe was so angry about the broken window that she was fit to be tied.
idiomatic: fit to be tied = extremely angry
João was laughing fit to burst at the comedian's jokes.
- fit to drop
- fit to burst
- fit to be tied
- fit to scream
- fit to explode
- far from
emphasises that someone is not even close to a particular state or action
Grammar Patterns
fit + to-infinitive
Usage Note
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'.
Common Mistakes
fit as a fiddle
idiomin excellent physical health
My grandmother is eighty years old but she is still fit as a fiddle after years of gardening.
After recovering from the flu, Christopher felt fit as a fiddle within a week.
fit for a king
idiomvery luxurious or of extremely high quality
The hotel served a breakfast fit for a king, with fresh fruit and pastries.
fit to drop
idiomextremely tired, to the point of being unable to continue
After hiking up the mountain for six hours, the group was fit to drop by sunset.
Word family
Synonym discussion
Sense: verb/5
Fit, suit, match, and correspond all describe compatibility between two things, but they differ in focus and usage. 'Fit' emphasises that something meets the requirements or dimensions of a situation or need — for example, 'This role fits her skills' or 'The key fits the lock.' 'Suit' is more subjective and often involves personal preference, appearance, or harmony: 'This colour suits you' or 'That time suits my schedule.' 'Match' implies a close or exact correspondence, often visual or quantitative: 'The socks match his shirt' or 'Her story matches the evidence.' 'Correspond' is more formal and abstract, suggesting systematic or structural alignment: 'The two accounts do not correspond.' In practical terms: use 'fit' for suitability to purpose, 'suit' for pleasing compatibility, 'match' for sameness or visual harmony, and 'correspond' for formal equivalence between systems or reports.
Common collocations
Etymology
The word 'fit' has two separate origins that merged in modern English. The meaning cluster around 'suitable,' 'right size,' and 'physically healthy' comes from Middle English fitten (to put in order, to be suitable), borrowed from Old Norse fitja (to knit, to arrange). The unrelated medical/outburst cluster — meaning a seizure or sudden emotional burst — comes from Old English fitt (a struggle, conflict), which later developed into 'a sudden attack of illness' in the 16th–17th centuries. Modern speakers experience 'fit' as one word, but its two historical threads explain why the same word can describe both a well-tailored suit and an epileptic episode.