From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englisha bita bitespecially British English a) slightly or to a small degree SYN a little Could you turn the TV up a bit? That’s a bit odd. ‘Are you sorry to be leaving?’ ‘Yes, I am a bit.’ Aren’t you being a little bit unfair? I think you’re a bit too young to be watching this. She looks a bit like my sister.a bit better/older/easier etc I feel a bit better now. b) sometimes, but not very often I used to act a bit when I was younger.RegisterIn written English, people usually avoid a (little) bit and use slightly, rather, or somewhat instead:This system is slightly more efficient.The final cost was somewhat higher than expected. → bita bita bitespecially British English informal a small amount of a substance or of something that is not a physical object SYN a littlea bit of I may need a bit of help. He still likes to do a bit of gardening. I want to spend a bit of time with him before he goes. With a bit of luck, we should have finished by five o’clock. Everyone needs a little bit of encouragement. ‘Would you like cream in your coffee?’ ‘Yes please, just a bit.’a bit more/less Can we have a bit less noise, please? → bita bita bitespecially British English a short period of time or a short distance SYN a while You’ll have to wait a bit. I walked on a bit.in a bit I’ll see you in a bit.for a bit We sat around for a bit, chatting. → bit
