a bit
Idioms-
A small amount of anything; also, a short period of time. For example, Here's a bit of wrapping paper , or It'll be ready in a bit , or Just wait a bit . [c. 1600]
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Somewhat or rather, as in It stings a bit , or Will you have a bit more to eat? [Second half of 1600s] Also see bit by bit ; not a bit .
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“I get a bit anxious before approaching someone, but once I get into an activity, I get comfortable with the people doing that thing and I become a very outgoing person.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026
He was responding to an incident disclosed in recent days that shows why we probably shouldn’t make artificial psychopaths without at least thinking it through a bit.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 23, 2026
Initially, there were concerns that the land might "look a bit of a mess".
From BBC ● Jul. 23, 2026
The stock is a bit off highs reached last month, when shares traded near $45.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 23, 2026
We talk for a bit and he relaxes and realizes he is hallucinating but as I leave I hear him say loudly again, “Get out of the sled.…”
From "Woodsong" by Gary Paulsen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
