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.
Of her boss, party leader Sir Ed, she said: "He's not just nice guy Eddie. I think you're going to see him being a bit more gritty because he's a real fighter."
From BBC ● Sep. 18, 2026
While “Cursum Perficio” may be a bit heavy for some metal fans, it’s neither dull nor predictable.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 17, 2026
The stock is up around 9% so far this year, and a bit off highs of around $284 reached last month.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 17, 2026
“So even if the technology is a bit less advanced, at least we have something and aren’t living in constant uncertainty.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 17, 2026
“He likes to play the fool. He is a bit of an actor, I suppose.”
From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo
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.
