a bit

To do something by a small amount or for a short time.

• Move a bit to the left.
• We waited a bit before leaving.
• Could you turn the music down a bit?

Similar words: a little, slightly

Opposites: a lot

Common phrases: wait a bit, move a bit, a bit more, a bit tired

A small amount of something already mentioned.

• Would you like some cake? I’ll have a bit.
• She saved a bit for her brother.
• There was only a bit left after lunch.

Similar words: a little, a small amount

Opposites: a lot

Common phrases: just a bit, save a bit, take a bit

A large amount, described as small to make a joke or avoid saying how much.

• Did you make a mess? Just a bit—the kitchen was covered in flour.
• Was there much damage? A bit—the entire roof collapsed.
• Did he spend much? Just a bit—he bought the whole hotel.

Similar words: a lot, a great deal

Opposites: a little

Common phrases: just a bit, quite a bit

A small amount of something.

• I need a bit of help.
• She added a bit of cheese to the soup.
• Could you lend me a bit of money?

How to use it: a bit of + noun (Add a bit of milk to the sauce.)

Similar words: a little, a small amount

Opposites: a lot

Common phrases: a bit of something, a bit of luck, a bit of sugar

To a small degree.

• The room is a bit warm.
• I felt a bit nervous before the interview.
• Could you speak a bit more slowly?

How to use it: a bit + adjective/adverb (We arrived a bit late.)

Similar words: slightly, a little

Common phrases: a bit cold, a bit late, a bit worried