Definitions Related words Phrases Mentions Lyrics History Colors (New!) Easter eggs (New!)

Literary notes about fit (AI summary)

The term “fit” in literature demonstrates remarkable versatility, serving as both a descriptor of sudden physical or emotional episodes and an adjective of suitability. Authors use it to denote abrupt, involuntary states—a “fainting fit” or a burst of uncontrollable anger can capture an emotionally charged moment, as seen in instances of sudden illness or outbursts ([1], [2], [3], [4]). At the same time, “fit” functions as a measure of appropriateness, describing when a person or thing is well suited for a particular role or context, whether it is about determining if someone is “fit to associate with” or if a dwelling is “fit habitation” ([5], [6]). Its use in expressions such as “if he thought fit” highlights an archaic sense of proper judgment or discretion, where actions are undertaken when deemed opportune by someone in authority ([7], [8], [9], [10]). This dual nature—capturing both transient conditions, from energetic surges to temper outbursts, and enduring qualities of adequacy—renders “fit” a dynamic lexical tool that enriches narrative tone and character evaluation throughout literature ([11], [12], [13], [14]).
  1. In short, the old gentleman was carried off in a fainting fit, and after bleeding in both arms hardly recovered.
    — from The History of John Bull by John Arbuthnot
  2. He jumped up from his chair in a fit of uncontrollable rage.
    — from The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
  3. Save me!” I imagined that the monster seized me; I struggled furiously and fell down in a fit.
    — from Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
  4. In time I were able to keep him, and I kep him till he went off in a purple leptic fit.
    — from Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
  5. "Ah! then you would not be fit to associate with," returned the Scarecrow.
    — from The Marvelous Land of Oz by L. Frank Baum
  6. The labour of hundreds of thousands alone could make this inclement nook fit habitation for one man.
    — from The Last Man by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
  7. 'Yes,' said I, and forthwith handed him the famous Report for publication, if he thought fit.
    — from Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
  8. As it is extremely old, and consequently a good deal out of repair, you may perhaps think fit to comply with her request.
    — from The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde
  9. Now, if you think fit, let us return to what we began with.
    — from Cicero's Tusculan Disputations by Marcus Tullius Cicero
  10. Then, moving again, he makes them swear that, if he should think fit to play the antic, they will give no sign of knowing aught of him.
    — from Shakespearean Tragedy: Lectures on Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth by A. C. Bradley
  11. And so, without more circumstance at all, I hold it fit that we shake hands and part: You, as your business and desires shall point you,—
    — from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare
  12. He was in his working-dress, and looked rugged enough, but manly withal, and a very fit protector for the blooming little creature at his side.
    — from David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
  13. And, gentle friends, Let’s kill him boldly, but not wrathfully; Let’s carve him as a dish fit for the gods, Not hew him as a carcass fit for hounds.
    — from Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare
  14. “The care of babies involves education, and is entrusted only to the most fit,” she repeated.
    — from Herland by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, BlueSky


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Threepeat Redux