bit

A small amount of something, or a small degree of a quality.

• I need a bit of help.
• She felt a bit tired after lunch.
• We saved quite a bit of money.

How to use it: a bit of something (Add a bit of salt.); a bit + adjective/adverb (The room is a bit cold.)

Similar words: little, small amount

Common phrases: bit of something, a bit more, a bit tired

A small piece of a larger thing.

• There are bits of bread on the table.
• A tiny bit broke off the handle.
• Cut the apple into small bits.

How to use it: a bit of something (A bit of glass lay on the floor.)

Similar words: piece, fragment, scrap

Common phrases: bit of bread, tiny bit, broken bit

A short period of time.

• Wait a bit, please.
• We rested for a bit after lunch.
• I will be back in a bit.

How to use it: for a bit (Let us sit here for a bit.); in a bit (I will call you in a bit.)

Similar words: while, moment

Common phrases: for a bit, in a bit, wait a bit

The cutting part of a tool that turns to make holes or shape material.

• Use a small bit for this hole.
• The drill bit broke in the wood.
• Which bit should I use for metal?

Similar words: drill bit, cutter

Common phrases: drill bit, router bit, sharp bit

The smallest unit of computer information, with a value of zero or one.

• Each bit is either zero or one.
• A byte contains eight bits.
• An error changed one bit in the message.

Similar words: binary digit

Common phrases: single bit, bit value, bit stream

A metal piece in a horse’s mouth, connected to straps that a rider uses to guide it.

• The horse resisted the bit.
• She cleaned the bit after riding.
• This bit is too large for the pony.

Similar words: kimberwicke, pelham, snaffle

Common phrases: horse bit, snaffle bit, fit a bit

Having received a bite from an animal, person, or other creature.

• Be careful or you will get bit.
• She got bit on the hand.
• Anyone who is bit should wash the wound.

How to use it: be/get bit by someone/something (He got bit by a stray dog.)

Similar words: bitten

Common phrases: get bit, be bit