jot

[ jot ]

verb (used with object)

, jot·ted, jot·ting.

1. to write or mark down quickly or briefly (usually followed by down ):

   Jot down his license number.

noun

1. the least part of something; a little bit:

   I don't care a jot.

jot

/ dʒɒt /

verb

1. trusually foll bydown to write a brief note of

noun

1. used with a negative a little bit (in phrases such as not to care ( or give ) a jot )

Word History and Origins

Origin of jot¹

1520–30; earlier iot, iote < Latin iōta < Greek iôta iota

Word History and Origins

Origin of jot¹

C16: from Latin jota, from Greek iōta, of Semitic origin; see iota

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. not a jot or tittle, not a bit; not at all:

   The world situation matters not a jot or tittle to him.

Example Sentences

The young man had the presence of mind to tail Gaylard Williams out of the park and jot down his license plate.

From The Daily Beast

I tell myself to jot down the times, but I never remember to do it.

From The Daily Beast

“Maybe I should just jot down some of the things I might say,” he says.

From The Daily Beast

Sometimes I go through them and jot down things that would be useful for whatever book I happen to working on at the time.

From The Daily Beast

For the security of the numerous Afghan informants who work with U.S. troops, he cares not a jot.

From The Daily Beast

It is therefore our duty, sir, to protect our principal, and we cannot consent to abate one jot or tittle of our rights.

From Project Gutenberg

Quarrel in her presence he could not, nor add one jot to the burden which he felt sure she must bear as the consort of such a man.

From Project Gutenberg

If you belonged to a club, you could get a much better supper at the same hour, and lose not a jot in public esteem.

From Project Gutenberg

Mrs. Gillis had cleared a side table where Davy, in his high chair, could jot down the items that he would use in his talk.

From Project Gutenberg

His arched eyebrows were lifted, and he was smiling as unconcernedly as if the subject in hand touched himself no jot.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• jot down
• write down