bit*/*/*/

[bɪt] grammar word I summary: A bit can be: ■ an adverb: We waited a bit, and then decided to go. ♦ It's a bit cold in here, isn't it? ■ a pronoun: She only ate a little bit. ♦ I could use a bit of help. a bit — informal 1) slightly, or a little[/ex] I'm feeling a bit tired.[/ex] That was a little bit stupid.[/ex] The second interview was a bit less formal.[/ex]

— 2) a short time

You'll have to wait a bit.[/ex] Why don't you come and stay with us for a bit?[/ex]

— 3) a small amount of something

'Would you like some more sauce?' 'Just a bit.'[/ex] I know a bit of German.[/ex]

— 4) to a limited degree

I used to surf a bit when I was younger.[/ex] a bit much — informal unreasonable or unfair[/ex] It's a bit much to blame me for what happened.[/ex] a bit of a... — informal used for saying that someone or something has a particular quality or effect[/ex] My letter has caused a bit of a problem.[/ex] every bit as — just as[/ex] Her new book is every bit as good as the first one.[/ex] a good/fair bit — British a fairly large amount of something[/ex] We've still got a fair bit to do.[/ex] not a bit — British informalnot at all[/ex] 'Are you disappointed?' 'Not a bit.'[/ex] quite a bit — informal a lot[/ex] You can fly there, but it costs quite a bit.[/ex] II

noun [C]

bit */*/*/[bɪt]

1) a small piece or part of something

There were bits of broken glass everywhere.[/ex]

The best bit in the film is the scene in the restaurant.[/ex]

2) computing

the basic unit of computer information

See:

byte

3) the part of a horse's BRIDLE that fits inside the horse's mouth

•

bit by bit — gradually, or in small stages[/ex]

I'll move my things into the flat bit by bit.[/ex]

bits and pieces — informal someone's possessions or furniture[/ex]

do your bit — British informal to do what you can to help, or to do your part of what has to be done[/ex]

to bits — informal 1) into small pieces[/ex]

My shoes are falling to bits.[/ex]

— 2) very much

He's thrilled to bits.[/ex]

III bit the past tense of bite I