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Added 7 October 2026

fit

/fɪt/ noun

In Latin: habilis, idōneus, aptus Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about fit at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A display of bad temper.
he had a fit
A sudden uncontrollable attack.
a paroxysm of giggling
The manner in which something fits.
I admired the fit of her coat

verb

Be agreeable or acceptable to.
This suits my needs
Be the right size or shape; fit correctly or as desired.
This piece won't fit into the puzzle
Make fit.
fit a dress

adjective

Meeting adequate standards for a purpose.
a fit subject for discussion
(usually followed by `to' or `for') on the point of or strongly disposed.
in no fit state to continue
Physically and mentally sound or healthy.
felt relaxed and fit after their holiday

Origin

Possibly from Middle English fit (“an adversary of equal power”), of uncertain further origin. The original sense appears to have been "to marshal or deploy troops", which shifted to "to suit (troops to a certain location" > "suitable", and may be further related to Icelandic fitja (“to web, knit, cast on”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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