whit

American  

[hwit, wit] / ʰwɪt, wɪt /

noun

1. a particle; bit; jot (used especially in negative phrases).

   not a whit better.

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Whit ¹ British  

/ wɪt /

noun

1. See Whitsuntide

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adjective

1. of or relating to Whitsuntide

whit ² British  

/ wɪt /

noun

1. (usually used with a negative) the smallest particle; iota; jot

   he has changed not a whit

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Etymology

Origin of whit

1470–80; perhaps alteration of Middle English wiht wight ¹

Example Sentences

Bringing it home is Sudeikis’ manner as he shares Ted’s folksy anecdote: it contains not a whit of vanity or gloating at his adversary’s downfall.

From Salon

They were a dullish white from age, but that did not bother me one whit.

From Literature

Speculators, in contrast, care not a whit for cash flow; they are focused instead on future stock prices.

From MarketWatch

The most memorable offerings didn’t care a whit about product-testing strategies.

From Los Angeles Times

And if the ending doesn’t feel entirely earned … well, we had so much fun getting there that it doesn’t matter a whit.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• iota