Definition of 'a bit'

Word Frequency

a bit

quantifier

A bit of something is a small amount of it.

All it required was a bit of work.

I got paid a little bit of money.

bit

Word Frequency

a bit

phrase

A bit means to a small extent or degree. It is sometimes used to make a statement less extreme.

[vagueness]

This girl was a bit strange.

I think people feel a bit more confident.

She looks a bit like his cousin Maureen.

That sounds a bit technical.

Isn't that a bit harsh?

Synonyms: somewhat, rather, quite, kind of [informal] +

bit

Word Frequency

a bit

phrase

You use a bit before 'more' or 'less' to mean a small amount more or a small amount less.

I still think I have a bit more to offer.

Maybe we'll hear a little bit less noise.

...a bit more than half the total official debt.

bit

Word Frequency

a bit in British

rather; somewhat

a bit dreary

bit

Example sentences containing 'a bit'

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Then the office became a bit small. Times, Sunday Times (2016)In the meantime, perhaps gardeners should be a bit less vigorous with the pruning. Times, Sunday Times (2016)But their ability to foresee the future has been thrown into question, and their predictions sought a bit less as a result. The Sun (2017)It's good to be a bit selfish ; it stops you being too needy. Times, Sunday Times (2016)But a caravan anchored in a caravan park near the sea, somewhere on the south coast, is a bit less compelling. Times, Sunday Times (2016)But floating just above the knee looks a bit frumpy ; the eye's just drawn to the hem and all you see is knee. Times, Sunday Times (2016)It is a bit rough around the edges, but I feel a bit less decrepit for having made it. Times, Sunday Times (2016)The stage was a bit smaller than we thought too. The Sun (2010)We quote a bit less than you and get the work. Times, Sunday Times (2008)People need to be a bit less skittish. Times, Sunday Times (2013)We encourage landlords to take a bit less rent than they might have wanted as it is not peak season. Times, Sunday Times (2015)The portion was a bit small. The Sun (2008)Its realism is a bit stodgy; its flights into fantasy are familiar. Times, Sunday Times (2012)The repetitive lo-fi production leaves it sounding a bit small. The Sun (2013)The apartment is a bit small, but perfectly formed. Times, Sunday Times (2010)Basically it's a bit more than "energy" but a bit less than matter. Westcott, Patsy Alternative Health Care for Women (1991)Anything less seemed a bit lazy'. Times, Sunday Times (2006)Along the top of the house are servant quarters filled with small rooms, a bit like rooms on a boat. Christianity Today (2000)They're a bit less gangsta. Times, Sunday Times (2013)It's a bit small though. Times, Sunday Times (2007)I predict a bit less blue. Times, Sunday Times (2014)Though it was a bit less uncomfortable than being encased in an iron maiden, it did give me the most maddening itch. Kiam, Victor Going For It!: How to Succeed As an Entrepreneur (1986)L Maybe he could wind me up a bit less. The Sun (2013)A bit less than a year ago, it was closer to five. Times, Sunday Times (2013)Highly amusing if you watch in the right mood; a bit boorish if you don't. Times, Sunday Times (2007)Oh, it's a bit small. Times, Sunday Times (2012)He was touting him to City at the time but the recruitment officer did not fancy him because he was a bit on the small side. Times, Sunday Times (2016)I do not like Could do with a bit more power; noisy on motorways. Times, Sunday Times (2012)I hope it'll make you inquire a bit; it feels like a show or a gallery point of view. Times, Sunday Times (2014)This required an additional piece of equipment, for it is impossible to freeze liquids simply by immersing them in ice; a bit of alchemy is required. Gavin Weightman THE FROZEN WATER TRADE (2002)

Trends of 'a bit'

Very Common. a bit is one of the 4000 most commonly used words in the Collins dictionary

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Nearby words of 'a bit'

Related Terms of 'a bit'

Source

Definition of a bit from the Collins English Dictionary

Possessive pronouns

Possessive pronouns are used when you want to indicate who owns or is associated with an item. All those books are hers. Those suitcases are ours. Are you selling those books? I’d never sell any o...