English Profile

bit · noun C

/bɪt/Full view

a bit

A2 slightly

Dictionary examples:

The dress is a bit too big for me.

That was a bit silly, wasn't it?

I'm a bit nervous.

Could I have a little bit more soup?

Learner example:

I'd like to walk or do any other sport, because I am a bit fat. (Key English Test; A2; Spanish)

bit

B1 a small amount or piece of something

Dictionary examples:

There were little bits of paper all over the floor.

Be sure to sweep up every bit of the broken glass.

She tries to do a bit of exercise every day.

Learner example:

I'm not going because I'm feeling bad and I also have a bit of fever. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

quite a bit

B1 a lot

Dictionary examples:

He does quite a bit of traveling.

She's quite a bit older than him.

Learner example:

We spent quite a bit of time [going] along the beach. (Preliminary English Test; B1; French)

a bit

B2 a short period of time

Dictionary example:

I'm just going out for a bit. See you later.

Learner example:

I had my breakfast, I went to buy the newspaper and then I came back to my house to rest [for] a bit. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

a bit of a surprise/problem/mess, etc.

C1 a surprise, problem, mess, etc. that is not too big or serious

Dictionary examples:

I am a bit of a romantic.

It was a bit of a shock.

Learner example:

It is sometimes a bit of a nu[i]sance to check every time whether both doors are well locked up. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Catalan)

bits and pieces

C2 small things or jobs which are not connected or not very important

Dictionary example:

We've packed most of it up now, there are just a few bits and pieces left.

Learner example:

So, it's memories that make us keep odd bits and pieces. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Russian)

bit by bit

C1 gradually

Dictionary example:

She saved up the money, bit by bit.

Learner example:

This film is full of tension as the truth is only revealed bit by bit. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; German)