fit

fitverb

Something fits when its size, shape, or nature is right for the space, the person, or the purpose it is meant for.

1. right sizebe the right size and shape for someone or something

   transitive or intransitive [T/I] verb + object [V + obj] not used in continuous tenses [no continuous]

   • These shoes don't fit me anymore. V + obj
   • The dress fits perfectly.
   • The key fits the lock, but it will not turn. V + obj

   Collocations

   adverb + verb fit perfectly, fit well, fit badly

   verb + noun fit someone, fit the lock

   Synonyms belong

   Compare take

2. have spacebe small enough, or have enough space, to go into a place

   intransitive [I] verb + adverb or preposition [V + adv/prep] not used in continuous tenses [no continuous]

   • The suitcase won't fit in the car. V + adv/prep
   • Can five people fit in your car? V + adv/prep
   • Will the table fit through the door? V + adv/prep

   Collocations

   verb + preposition fit in something, fit into something, fit through something, fit under something

   Synonyms go

3. put in placeput a piece of equipment or a part into a place where it will be used

   In this sense the past form fitted is usual in both American and British English.

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj] verb + object + preposition + object [V + obj + prep + obj]

   • We had new locks fitted on all the doors. V + obj + prep + obj
   • The car is fitted with a new engine. V + obj + prep + obj (passive)
   • It took him an hour to fit the new window. V + obj

   Collocations

   verb + noun fit a lock, fit a window, fit a carpet

   verb + preposition fit something with something, fit something to something

4. be suitablebe right or suitable for something, or agree with it

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj] not used in continuous tenses [no continuous]

   • He fits the description of the man the police are looking for. V + obj
   • The job fits her skills perfectly. V + obj
   • Choose a plan that fits your needs. V + obj

   Collocations

   verb + noun fit the description, fit your needs, fit the facts, fit the pattern

   Compare suit; match

5. for clothestry clothes on someone in order to make them the right size

   transitive [T] verb + object + preposition + object [V + obj + prep + obj] usually passive [usually passive]

   • She is being fitted for her wedding dress. V + obj + prep + obj (passive)
   • The tailor fitted him for a new suit. V + obj + prep + obj

   Collocations

   verb + preposition fit someone for something, be fitted for a suit

See also fit in