fitting
adjectivenounverbnouncommon in dialogue
- United Kingdom//ˈfɪtɪŋ//
- United States//ˈfɪtɪŋ//
- United States/[-ɾɪŋ]/
That fits. Chiefly preceded by a descriptive adverb or noun: that fits in some manner (often closely) to the shape or size of something.
adjective
- 1
That fits. Chiefly preceded by a descriptive adverb or noun: that fits in some manner (often closely) to the shape or size of something.
close-fitting form-fitting ill-fitting
Certainly, in her well-fitting light-blue dress— […] she was a remarkable Cinderella.
- 2
figurativeThat fits. Appropriate, suitable, proper.
O my ſvveet ſir, nevves fitting to the night, / Blacke, fearefull, comfortleſſe, and horrible.
Though all your actions are noble, though your ſentiments ſpeak the purity of your ſoul, is it fitting that I ſhould accompany you alone into theſe perplexed retreats? ſhould vve be found together, vvhat vvould a cenſorious vvorld think of my conduct?
Cast with him here in this forlorn estate, / In all things for the man she was a fitting mate.
The last regular steam-hauled passenger train between Glasgow and Helensburgh Central was given a fitting send-off from Queen Street Low Level at 11.2 p.m. on Friday, November 4.
Etymology
From fit (“to conform to in shape or size; to be suitable for”, verb) + -ing (suffix forming present participles of verbs, and gerunds and nouns denoting the act of doing something or the embodiment of an action).
noun
- 1
gerund of fit: an act of making something fit (“conform in shape and size; be suitable for; etc.”). An act of trying on an item of clothing to adjust or inspect how well it fits.
- 2
A (generally small) component or part of a device or machine, especially one that is standardized and replaceable; specifically, a standardized part of a piping system used to connect sections of pipe together, such as a coupling.
- 3
The process of fitting up; especially, of applying skilled methods to the installation of components to machines or other products.
- 4
A removable item (such as a carpet, a movable piece of furniture, or a picture) in a house or other building, which can be taken with one when moving out.
the fittings of a church or study
- 5
Also a form of fitgerund of fit: an act of making something fit (“conform in shape and size; be suitable for; etc.”).
curve fitting
As soon as we received our orders to proceed to Spithead, Mr. Somerville, who had kept his house at Blackheath while the ship was fitting, in hopes that my promotion might have taken place before she was ready, now prepared to quit the place.
[T]he fitting of cushions where they would not slip, the rounding of corners for more delicate repose; […] the perfect fitting of windows, on which one-half the comfort of a travelling carriage really depends; […] —all this was an imaginary journey in itself, with every pleasure, and none of the discomfort, of practical travelling.
verb
- 1
Also a form of fitpresent participle and gerund of fit
noun
- 1
Also a form of fitgerund of fit: the action or condition of having one or more fits (“convulsions or seizures”).
Since her medication was changed, her fitting has got worse.
Etymology
From fit (“to suffer a fit (‘convulsion, seizure’)”, verb) + -ing (suffix forming gerunds and nouns denoting the act of doing something or the embodiment of an action).
Forms
- plural
- fittings
- comparative
- more fitting
- superlative
- most fitting
fitting · That fits. Chiefly preceded by a descriptive adverb or noun: that fits in some manner (often closely) to the shape or size of something.
Fitting · A surname.Fitz · A village in Shropshire, England.Fitzgerald · A Hiberno-Norman surname originating as a patronymic.