bit
- 01 A2 Elementary
a small piece or amount of something.
a small portion, degree, or amount of something; often used in the partitive 'a bit of'.
Simple“There were bits of broken glass all over the kitchen floor.”
In context“The detective found a tiny bit of blue fabric caught on the fence, which proved the suspect had climbed over it.”
PitfallI need a bit water. I need a bit of water.When 'bit' is followed by a noun, you must use the preposition 'of'.
- 02 A2 Elementary
a short period of time.
a brief and usually unspecified interval of time.
Simple“Wait here for a bit while I go and find the manager.”
In context“After walking for a bit, they realized they had been heading in the wrong direction since the last crossroads.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
the smallest unit of information in a computer, represented as a 0 or 1.
the basic unit of information in computing and digital communications, representing a choice between two exclusive states.
Simple“A single byte is made up of eight bits.”
In context“The encryption strength is determined by the number of bits in the key, making longer keys significantly harder to crack.”
Synonymsbinary digit - 04 C1 Advanced
a short performance or a joke that someone repeats.
a self-contained piece of business, comedy routine, or a recurring joke.
Simple“The comedian did a funny bit about trying to buy a new phone.”
In context“The late-night host performed a satirical bit involving an impression of the prime minister that went viral the next morning.”
- 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
the sharp part of a tool that cuts or makes holes.
the detachable cutting or drilling component of a tool, such as a drill or plane.
Simple“You need a smaller drill bit to make the holes for these screws.”
In context“The carpenter swapped the dull bit for a sharper one before continuing to bore holes into the hardwood cabinet doors.”
Synonyms - 06 C1 Advanced
the metal bar that goes in a horse's mouth to help the rider control it.
the metal mouthpiece of a bridle, used to control a horse through pressure on the mouth.
Simple“The horse pulled against the bit because it wanted to run faster.”
In context“A skilled rider uses the bit to communicate subtle cues to the horse rather than relying on physical force.”
Synonyms
Usage bit like · bit different · bit less