Fit vs. Fitted — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 14, 2024
"Fit" describes something that matches or suits a particular purpose or size, while "fitted" refers specifically to something that has been tailored or adjusted to match precise measurements.
Difference Between Fit and Fitted
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Fit" can be used as both a verb and an adjective, indicating how well something corresponds to specific dimensions or requirements. Whereas, "fitted" is typically used as an adjective or past tense verb, implying customization or adjustment for a perfect match.
In fashion, clothes that "fit" are suitable in size and shape for the wearer. On the other hand, "fitted" clothes are often tailored to conform exactly to one's body, suggesting a more precise and snug fit.
"Fit" also broadly describes suitability or appropriateness in various contexts, like a solution that "fits" a problem. In contrast, "fitted" usually connotes modification, as in equipment that has been "fitted" for a specific purpose.
When discussing physical fitness, someone might be described as "fit," implying health and strength. Conversely, "fitted" in this context would be unusual and might imply being equipped or dressed appropriately for physical activities.
The usage of "fit" is more general and can apply in various scenarios beyond just clothing, such as fitting a role or description. Meanwhile, "fitted" is more specialized, often involving some kind of personalization or detailed adjustment.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Suitable, appropriate, or of right size and shape
Specifically tailored or made to conform precisely
Usage
Verb and adjective; general suitability
Adjective; tailored or customized fit
Contexts
General use, including fitness, solutions, roles
Mostly used for clothing, sometimes machinery or equipment
Implication of Fit
General suitability without explicit customization
Explicit customization or adjustment
Common Applications
Describing suitability in broad terms
Describing clothes, equipment tailored to specific needs
Compare with Definitions
Fit
Being of the right size and dimensions.
The key fits the lock.
Fitted
Having undergone adjustments for a perfect fit.
He had his suit fitted at the tailor.
Fit
To be able to be placed within a space or environment.
All these books fit into one box.
Fitted
Adapted specifically for a purpose or user.
The device was fitted to her specific needs.
Fit
Appropriately sized or suitable for a purpose.
This dress fits you perfectly.
Fitted
Made to conform exactly to the shape or size of something.
She wore a fitted jacket.
Fit
Suitable or right for a particular situation.
Her skills fit the job requirements.
Fitted
Equipped or installed to suit specific conditions.
The kitchen was fitted with modern appliances.
Fit
Physically healthy or in good shape.
He stays fit by cycling daily.
Fitted
Describing clothes that are shaped to fit the body closely.
His wardrobe consists mostly of fitted shirts.
Fit
Of a suitable quality, standard, or type to meet the required purpose
The house was not fit for human habitation
Is the water clean and fit to drink?
Fitted
Made or shaped to fill a space or to cover something closely or exactly
Navy-blue fitted sheets
The blouse has a fitted bodice
Fit
In good health, especially because of regular physical exercise
The measures would ensure a leaner, fitter company
My family keep fit by walking and cycling
Fitted
Attached to or provided with a particular component or article
A piping bag fitted with a star nozzle
Fit
Be of the right shape and size for
Those jeans still fit me
The shoes fitted better after being stretched
Fitted
Having the appropriate qualities or skills to do something
I don't think he was fitted for the job
Fit
Install or fix (something) into place
They fitted smoke alarms to their home
Fitted
To be the proper size and shape for
These shoes fit me.
Fit
Be compatible or in agreement with; match
The landlord had not seen anyone fitting that description
Fitted
To cause to be the proper size and shape
The tailor fitted the trousers by shortening them.
Fit
Have an epileptic fit
He started fitting uncontrollably
Fitted
To measure for proper size
She fitted me for a new jacket.
Fit
The particular way in which something, especially a garment or component, fits
The dress was a perfect fit
Fitted
To be appropriate to; suit
Music that fits your mood.
Fit
A sudden attack of convulsions and/or loss of consciousness, typical of epilepsy and some other medical conditions
The child had frequent fits
Fitted
To be in conformity or agreement with
Observations that fit the theory nicely.
Fit
A sudden short period of uncontrollable coughing, laughter, etc.
Fitted
To make suitable; adapt
Fitted the shelves for large books.
Fit
A section of a poem.
Fitted
To make ready; prepare
Specialized training fitted her for the job.
Fit
To be the proper size and shape for
These shoes fit me.
Fitted
To equip; outfit
Fit out a ship.
Fit
To cause to be the proper size and shape
The tailor fitted the trousers by shortening them.
Fitted
To provide a place or time for
You can't fit any more toys in the box. The doctor can fit you in today.
Fit
To measure for proper size
She fitted me for a new jacket.
Fitted
To insert or adjust so as to be properly in place
Fit a handle on a door.
Fit
To be appropriate to; suit
Music that fits your mood.
Fitted
To be the proper size and shape.
Fit
To be in conformity or agreement with
Observations that fit the theory nicely.
Fitted
To be suited; belong
Doesn't fit in with these people.
Fit
To make suitable; adapt
Fitted the shelves for large books.
Fitted
To be in harmony; agree
His good mood fit in with the joyful occasion.
Fit
To make ready; prepare
Specialized training fitted her for the job.
Fitted
Suited, adapted, or acceptable for a given circumstance or purpose
Not a fit time for flippancy.
Fit
To equip; outfit
Fit out a ship.
Fitted
Appropriate; proper
Do as you see fit.
Fit
To provide a place or time for
You can't fit any more toys in the box. The doctor can fit you in today.
Fitted
Physically sound; healthy
Keeps fit with diet and exercise.
Fit
To insert or adjust so as to be properly in place
Fit a handle on a door.
Fitted
(Biology) Able to survive and produce viable offspring in a particular environment
Fit
To be the proper size and shape.
Fitted
The state, quality, or way of being fitted
The proper fit of means to ends.
Fit
To be suited; belong
Doesn't fit in with these people.
Fitted
The manner in which clothing fits
A jacket with a tight fit.
Fit
To be in harmony; agree
His good mood fit in with the joyful occasion.
Fitted
The degree of precision with which surfaces are adjusted or adapted to each other in a machine or collection of parts.
Fit
Suited, adapted, or acceptable for a given circumstance or purpose
Not a fit time for flippancy.
Fitted
("to tailor, to change size")
Fit
Appropriate; proper
Do as you see fit.
Fitted
(other senses)
Fit
Physically sound; healthy
Keeps fit with diet and exercise.
Fitted
Inflection of fit
Fit
(Biology) Able to survive and produce viable offspring in a particular environment
Fitted
Inflection of fit(other senses)
Fit
The state, quality, or way of being fitted
The proper fit of means to ends.
Fitted
(of a kitchen, bathroom, etc.) Incorporating all of the fittings into connected units.
Fit
The manner in which clothing fits
A jacket with a tight fit.
Fit
The degree of precision with which surfaces are adjusted or adapted to each other in a machine or collection of parts.
Fit
A seizure or convulsion, especially one caused by epilepsy.
Fit
A sudden physical outburst
A fit of coughing.
A fit of laughter.
Fit
A sudden, involuntary physical reaction
A fit of shivering.
A fit of cramps.
Fit
A sudden, involuntary mental experience
A fit of amnesia.
A fit of déjà vu.
Fit
A sudden outburst of emotion
A fit of jealousy.
Fit
A sudden period of vigorous activity.
Fit
A section of a poem or ballad.
Fit
Suitable, proper.
You have nothing to say about it. I'll do exactly as I see fit.
Fit
Adapted to a purpose or environment.
Survival of the fittest
Fit
In good shape; physically well.
You don't have to be a good climber for Kilimanjaro, but you do have to be fit.
Fit
Prepared; ready.
Fit
(transitive) To be suitable for.
It fits the purpose.
Fit
(intransitive) To have sufficient space available at some location to be able to be there.
Ten clowns fit in the car, but not a hundred.
A grain of sand will fit in the cave, but an elephant will not.
Fit
(transitive) To conform to in size and shape.
The small shirt doesn't fit me, so I'll buy the medium size.
If I lose a few kilos, the gorgeous wedding dress might fit me.
Fit
(intransitive) To be of the right size and shape
I wanted to borrow my little sister's jeans, but they didn't fit.
That plug fit into the other socket, but it won't go in this one.
Fit
To make conform in size and shape.
I want to fit the drapes to the windows.
Fit
(transitive) To tailor; to change to the appropriate size.
I had a suit fitted by the tailor.
Fit
(transitive) To be in agreement with.
These definitions fit most of the usage.
Fit
(transitive) To adjust.
The regression program fit a line to the data.
Fit
(transitive) To attach, especially when requiring exact positioning or sizing.
Fit
(transitive) To equip or supply.
The chandler will fit us with provisions for a month.
Fit
(transitive) To make ready.
I'm fitting the ship for a summer sail home.
Fit
To be seemly.
Fit
To be proper or becoming.
Fit
(intransitive) To be in harmony.
The paint, the fabrics, the rugs all fit.
Fit
To suffer a fit.
Fit
Fight; fought.
Fit
The degree to which something fits.
This shirt is a bad fit.
Since he put on weight, his jeans have been a tight fit.
Fit
Conformity of elements one to another.
It's hard to get a good fit using second-hand parts.
Fit
The part of an object upon which anything fits tightly.
Fit
(advertising) Measure of how well a particular commercial execution captures the character or values of a brand.
The Wonder Bread advertising research results showed the “White Picket Fence” commercial had strong fit ratings.
Fit
(statistics) Goodness of fit.
Fit
(bridge) The quality of a partnership's combined holding of cards in a suit, particularly of trump.
During the auction, it is often a partnership's goal to find an eight-card major suit fit.
Fit
(archaic) A section of a poem or ballad.
Fit
A seizure or convulsion.
My grandfather died after having a fit.
Fit
(medicine) A sudden and vigorous appearance of a symptom over a short period of time.
Fit
A sudden outburst of emotion.
He had a laughing fit which lasted more than ten minutes.
She had a fit and threw all of his clothes out through the window.
He threw a fit when his car broke down.
Fit
A sudden burst (of an activity).
Fit
(informal) An outfit, a set of clothing.
How do you like the fit?
Fit
In Old English, a song; a strain; a canto or portion of a ballad; a passus.
To play some pleasant fit.
Fit
The quality of being fit; adjustment; adaptedness; as of dress to the person of the wearer.
Fit
The coincidence of parts that come in contact.
Fit
A stroke or blow.
Curse on that cross, quoth then the Sarazin,That keeps thy body from the bitter fit.
Fit
A sudden and violent attack of a disorder; a stroke of disease, as of epilepsy or apoplexy, which produces convulsions or unconsciousness; a convulsion; a paroxysm; hence, a period of exacerbation of a disease; in general, an attack of disease; as, a fit of sickness.
And when the fit was on him, I did markHow he did shake.
Fit
A mood of any kind which masters or possesses one for a time; a temporary, absorbing affection; a paroxysm; as, a fit of melancholy, of passion, or of laughter.
All fits of pleasure we balanced by an equal degree of pain.
The English, however, were on this subject prone to fits of jealously.
Fit
A passing humor; a caprice; a sudden and unusual effort, activity, or motion, followed by relaxation or inaction; an impulsive and irregular action.
The fits of the season.
Fit
A darting point; a sudden emission.
A tongue of light, a fit of flame.
Fit
Adapted to an end, object, or design; suitable by nature or by art; suited by character, qualitties, circumstances, education, etc.; qualified; competent; worthy.
That which ordinary men are fit for, I am qualified in.
Fit audience find, though few.
Fit
Prepared; ready.
So fit to shoot, she singled forth amongher foes who first her quarry's strength should feel.
Fit
Conformed to a standart of duty, properiety, or taste; convenient; meet; becoming; proper.
Is it fit to say a king, Thou art wicked?
Fit
To make fit or suitable; to adapt to the purpose intended; to qualify; to put into a condition of readiness or preparation.
The time is fitted for the duty.
The very situation for which he was peculiarly fitted by nature.
Fit
To bring to a required form and size; to shape aright; to adapt to a model; to adjust; - said especially of the work of a carpenter, machinist, tailor, etc.
The carpenter . . . marketh it out with a line; he fitteth it with planes.
Fit
To supply with something that is suitable or fit, or that is shaped and adjusted to the use required.
No milliner can so fit his customers with gloves.
Fit
To be suitable to; to answer the requirements of; to be correctly shaped and adjusted to; as, if the coat fits you, put it on.
That's a bountiful answer that fits all questions.
That time best fits the work.
Fit
To be proper or becoming.
Nor fits it to prolong the feast.
Fit
To be adjusted to a particular shape or size; to suit; to be adapted; as, his coat fits very well.
Fit
A display of bad temper;
He had a fit
She threw a tantrum
He made a scene
Fit
A sudden uncontrollable attack;
A paroxysm of giggling
A fit of coughing
Convulsions of laughter
Fit
The manner in which something fits;
I admired the fit of her coat
Fit
A sudden flurry of activity (often for no obvious reason);
A burst of applause
A fit of housecleaning
Fit
Be agreeable or acceptable to;
This suits my needs
Fit
Be the right size or shape; fit correctly or as desired;
This piece won't fit into the puzzle
Fit
Satisfy a condition or restriction;
Does this paper meet the requirements for the degree?
Fit
Make fit;
Fit a dress
He fitted other pieces of paper to his cut-out
Fit
Insert or adjust several objects or people;
Can you fit the toy into the box?
This man can't fit himself into our work environment
Fit
Be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics;
The two stories don't agree in many details
The handwriting checks with the signature on the check
The suspect's fingerprints don't match those on the gun
Fit
Conform to some shape or size;
How does this shirt fit?
Fit
Provide with (something) usually for a specific purpose;
The expedition was equipped with proper clothing, food, and other necessities
Fit
Make correspond or harmonize;
Match my sweater
Fit
Meeting adequate standards for a purpose;
A fit subject for discussion
It is fit and proper that you be there
Water fit to drink
Fit for duty
Do as you see fit to
Fit
(usually followed by `to' or `for') on the point of or strongly disposed;
In no fit state to continue
Fit to drop
Laughing fit to burst
She was fit to scream
Primed for a fight
We are set to go at any time
Fit
Physically and mentally sound or healthy;
Felt relaxed and fit after their holiday
Keeps fit with diet and exercise
Common Curiosities
What implications does using "fit" in a job description have?
It suggests that a person's skills or characteristics are suitable for the job requirements.
How does "fitted" differ from "fit" in clothing?
"Fitted" implies clothes have been tailored to match the wearer's body exactly, often more snugly.
What does it mean when clothes are described as "fit"?
It means the clothes are of the right size and shape for the wearer.
Can furniture be described as "fitted"?
Yes, furniture can be described as "fitted" if it is custom-made or built to fit a specific space or purpose precisely.
In what contexts might "fit" be used in technology?
In technology, "fit" might describe how well a solution or tool meets the needs of a project or user requirements.
Is "fitted" used only in the context of clothing?
Mostly, but it can also apply to other items that are tailored or adapted, like equipment.
What situations typically call for "fitted" rather than "fit"?
"Fitted" is typically used when precision in size and shape is crucial, such as in custom tailoring or specially adapted machinery.
How do the terms "fit" and "fitted" apply to software?
"Fit" could describe software that meets user needs or system requirements adequately, whereas "fitted" software would imply customization to specific user needs or tasks.
Does "fitted" imply a higher cost?
Generally, yes, because "fitted" items such as clothing or furniture often require extra labor and materials to tailor them to specific dimensions.
Can "fit" be used for describing both physical health and appropriateness?
Yes, "fit" can describe both physical condition and the suitability for a particular purpose.
Is "fitted" always a positive description for clothing?
Not necessarily; while "fitted" implies tailored to one's body, it might not always be comfortable or preferred by everyone, depending on personal style.
Can "fit" be used in a negative sense?
Yes, in contexts like "fit of rage," where it describes an intense, often negative emotional outburst.
Can "fit" and "fitted" be used interchangeably in any context?
While they might be used similarly in casual conversation, they are not generally interchangeable because "fitted" implies a higher level of specificity and customization.
How might "fit" be used metaphorically?
"Fit" can be used metaphorically to describe something that is deemed just right or particularly well-suited for a situation, like a piece of a puzzle.
How does "fit" relate to compatibility in relationships?
In relationships, "fit" refers to how well individuals' personalities, values, and life goals align with each other.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
