Fit vs. Suit — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on August 28, 2023
Fit refers to how well something conforms to a shape or size, while suit pertains to how appropriate or pleasing something is in a given context.
Difference Between Fit and Suit
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Fit, as a verb, primarily focuses on the act of conforming or adjusting to a particular shape, size, or place. It answers questions of size and dimension. On the other hand, suit addresses the appropriateness or agreeability of something to a situation or person's preferences. It answers questions of compatibility or pleasantness.
In the context of clothing, fit would refer to how well a garment aligns with one's body measurements and contours. If a shirt adheres well to your size, it's said to fit you. Conversely, suit, in this scenario, would pertain to how well the clothing matches your style, occasion, or complexion. You might find a shirt that fits you well, but its color or design might not suit you.
From a more abstract perspective, the word fit can refer to an individual's suitability for a role or task based on their qualifications. In comparison, suit might refer to how compatible a task is with an individual's preferences or values. A job might fit someone's skill set, but it may not suit their long-term career aspirations.
Another way to differentiate is by looking at the physical versus the intangible. When you're trying to assemble a puzzle, you look for pieces that fit together. But when you're choosing a song for an event, you look for tunes that would suit the mood or theme.
Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
Conformity to size or shape
Appropriateness or agreeability in a context
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Clothing Context
Refers to alignment with body measurements
Refers to alignment with style, occasion, or personal preference
Abstract Context
Suitability based on qualifications
Compatibility with preferences or values
Examples
Puzzle pieces, job qualifications
Song choices, clothing styles
Physical vs. Intangible
Primarily deals with tangible aspects (e.g., size, shape)
Often deals with intangible aspects (e.g., mood, preferences, occasion)
Compare with Definitions
Fit
Meeting specified requirements.
He fits the criteria for the job.
Suit
To be appropriate for.
This role doesn't suit him.
Fit
Being the right size or shape.
The shirt fit him well.
Suit
To enhance the appearance or complement.
That color suits you.
Fit
Aligning correctly with something else.
The pieces of the puzzle fit together.
Suit
To be pleasing or satisfactory.
The dessert suited her taste.
Fit
The quality of being fit; adjustment; adaptedness; as of dress to the person of the wearer.
Suit
A set of outer clothes made of the same fabric and designed to be worn together, typically consisting of a jacket and trousers or a jacket and skirt
A pinstriped suit
Fit
A stroke or blow.
Curse on that cross, quoth then the Sarazin,That keeps thy body from the bitter fit.
Suit
To be suitable or acceptable.
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.
Suit
A set of clothes to be worn together.
He wore a sharp suit to the meeting.
Fit
To be seemly.
Suit
To be appropriate for; befit
A color that suits you.
Fit
The coincidence of parts that come in contact.
Suit
(by extension) A garment or set of garments suitable and/or required for a given task or activity: space suit, boiler suit, protective suit, swimsuit.
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.
Suit
(obsolete) The act of suing; the pursuit of a particular object or goal.
Fit
(intransitive) To be in harmony.
The paint, the fabrics, the rugs all fit.
Suit
The act of wooing in love; the solicitation of a woman in marriage; courtship.
Rebate your loves, each rival suit suspend,Till this funereal web my labors end.
Fit
In Old English, a song; a strain; a canto or portion of a ballad; a passus.
To play some pleasant fit.
Suit
Regular order; succession.
Every five and thirty years the same kind and suit of weather comes again.
Fit
Suitable for a specified purpose.
She's fit for the leadership role.
Suit
To dress; to clothe.
So went he suited to his watery tomb.
Fit
In good health.
He's physically fit.
Suit
A petition or appeal made to a person of superior status or rank
Fit
Be of the right shape and size for
Those jeans still fit me
The shoes fitted better after being stretched
Suit
Be agreeable or acceptable to;
This suits my needs
Fit
To cause to be the proper size and shape
The tailor fitted the trousers by shortening them.
Suit
Any of the sets into which a pack of playing cards is divided (in conventional packs comprising spades, hearts, diamonds, and clubs).
Fit
To equip; outfit
Fit out a ship.
Suit
A lawsuit.
Fit
To insert or adjust so as to be properly in place
Fit a handle on a door.
Suit
The process of trying to win a woman's affection with a view to marriage
He could not compete with John in Marian's eyes and his suit came to nothing
Fit
To be in harmony; agree
His good mood fit in with the joyful occasion.
Suit
A complete set of sails required for a ship or for a set of spars
They went ashore and changed to another suit of sails
Fit
Suited, adapted, or acceptable for a given circumstance or purpose
Not a fit time for flippancy.
Suit
Be convenient for or acceptable to
The flat has two bedrooms—if it suits, you can have one of them
What time would suit you?
Fit
Appropriate; proper
Do as you see fit.
Suit
Enhance the features, figure, or character of (someone)
The dress didn't suit her
Fit
(transitive) To make ready.
I'm fitting the ship for a summer sail home.
Suit
Put on clothes, especially for a particular activity
I suited up and entered the water
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.
Suit
A set of matching outer garments, especially one consisting of a coat with trousers or a skirt, often worn on formal occasions.
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.
Suit
(Slang)A person, especially an executive, who wears one of these garments at work.
Fit
To be proper or becoming.
Nor fits it to prolong the feast.
Suit
An outfit worn for a special activity
A diving suit.
A running suit.
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
Suit
To make appropriate or suitable; adapt
Builders who suit the house to the owner's specifications.
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?
Suit
To please; satisfy
A choice that suits us all.
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
Suit
To provide with clothing; dress
The NCOs suited the recruits in green uniforms.
Fit
Install or fix (something) into place
They fitted smoke alarms to their home
Suit
A person who wears matching jacket and trousers, especially a boss or a supervisor.
Be sure to keep your nose to the grindstone today; the suits are making a "surprise" visit to this department.
Fit
Be compatible or in agreement with; match
The landlord had not seen anyone fitting that description
Suit
A full set of armour.
Fit
Have an epileptic fit
He started fitting uncontrollably
Suit
Pursuit of a love-interest; wooing, courtship.
Fit
The particular way in which something, especially a garment or component, fits
The dress was a perfect fit
Suit
The full set of sails required for a ship.
Fit
A sudden attack of convulsions and/or loss of consciousness, typical of epilepsy and some other medical conditions
The child had frequent fits
Suit
(card games) Each of the sets of a pack of cards distinguished by color and/or specific emblems, such as the spades, hearts, diamonds, or clubs of traditional Anglo, Hispanic, and French playing cards.
Fit
A sudden short period of uncontrollable coughing, laughter, etc.
Suit
(obsolete) Regular order; succession.
Every five and thirty years the same kind and suit of weather comes again.
Fit
A section of a poem.
Suit
(archaic) A company of attendants or followers; a retinue.
Fit
To be the proper size and shape for
These shoes fit me.
Suit
(archaic) A group of similar or related objects or items considered as a whole; a suite (of rooms etc.)
Fit
To measure for proper size
She fitted me for a new jacket.
Suit
(transitive) To make proper or suitable; to adapt or fit.
Fit
To be appropriate to; suit
Music that fits your mood.
Suit
To be suitable or apt for one's image.
The ripped jeans didn't suit her elegant image.
That new top suits you. Where did you buy it?
Fit
To be in conformity or agreement with
Observations that fit the theory nicely.
Suit
(intransitive) To agree; to be fitted; to correspond (usually followed by to, archaically also followed by with)
Fit
To make suitable; adapt
Fitted the shelves for large books.
Suit
The act of following or pursuing, as game; pursuit.
Fit
To make ready; prepare
Specialized training fitted her for the job.
Suit
The act of suing; the process by which one endeavors to gain an end or an object; an attempt to attain a certain result; pursuit; endeavor.
Thenceforth the suit of earthly conquest shone.
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.
Suit
That which follows as a retinue; a company of attendants or followers; the assembly of persons who attend upon a prince, magistrate, or other person of distinction; - often written suite, and pronounced swēt.
Fit
To be the proper size and shape.
Suit
Things that follow in a series or succession; the individual objects, collectively considered, which constitute a series, as of rooms, buildings, compositions, etc.; - often written suite, and pronounced swēt.
Fit
To be suited; belong
Doesn't fit in with these people.
Suit
One of the four sets of cards which constitute a pack; - each set consisting of thirteen cards bearing a particular emblem, as hearts, spades, clubs, or diamonds; also, the members of each such suit held by a player in certain games, such as bridge; as, hearts were her long suit.
To deal and shuffle, to divide and sortHer mingled suits and sequences.
Fit
Physically sound; healthy
Keeps fit with diet and exercise.
Suit
Someone who dresses in a business suit, as contrasted with more informal attire;
Fit
(Biology) Able to survive and produce viable offspring in a particular environment
Suit
To fit; to adapt; to make proper or suitable; as, to suit the action to the word.
Fit
The state, quality, or way of being fitted
The proper fit of means to ends.
Suit
To please; to make content; as, he is well suited with his place; to suit one's taste.
Fit
The manner in which clothing fits
A jacket with a tight fit.
Suit
A man's courting of a woman; seeking the affections of a woman (usually with the hope of marriage);
Its was a brief and intense courtship
Fit
The degree of precision with which surfaces are adjusted or adapted to each other in a machine or collection of parts.
Suit
Be agreeable or acceptable;
This time suits me
Fit
A seizure or convulsion, especially one caused by epilepsy.
Suit
Accord or comport with;
This kind of behavior does not suit a young woman!
Fit
A sudden physical outburst
A fit of coughing.
A fit of laughter.
Suit
Enhance the appearance of;
Mourning becomes Electra
This behavior doesn't suit you!
Fit
A sudden, involuntary physical reaction
A fit of shivering.
A fit of cramps.
Suit
Legal action or process.
He filed a suit against the company.
Fit
A sudden, involuntary mental experience
A fit of amnesia.
A fit of déjà vu.
Suit
A group of things used together; a set or collection
A suit of sails.
A suit of tools.
Fit
A sudden outburst of emotion
A fit of jealousy.
Suit
(Games)Any of the four sets of 13 playing cards (clubs, diamonds, hearts, and spades) in a standard deck, the members of which bear the same marks.
Fit
A sudden period of vigorous activity.
Suit
Attendance required of a vassal at his feudal lord's court or manor.
Fit
A section of a poem or ballad.
Suit
(Law)A lawsuit.
Fit
Suitable, proper.
You have nothing to say about it. I'll do exactly as I see fit.
Suit
The act or an instance of courting a woman; courtship
She was inclined to accept his suit.
Fit
Adapted to a purpose or environment.
Survival of the fittest
Suit
To meet the requirements of; fit
This candidate does not suit our qualifications.
Fit
In good shape; physically well.
You don't have to be a good climber for Kilimanjaro, but you do have to be fit.
Suit
To be in accord; agree or match.
Fit
Sexually attractive; good-looking; fanciable.
I think the girl working in the office is fit.
Suit
A set of clothes to be worn together, now especially a man's matching jacket and trousers (also business suit or lounge suit), or a similar outfit for a woman.
Nick hired a navy-blue suit for the wedding.
Fit
Prepared; ready.
Suit
(legal) The attempt to gain an end by legal process; a process instituted in a court of law for the recovery of a right or claim; a lawsuit.
If you take my advice, you'll file a suit against him immediately.
Fit
(transitive) To be suitable for.
It fits the purpose.
Suit
Petition, request, entreaty.
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.
Suit
The act of following or pursuing; pursuit, chase.
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.
Suit
(transitive) To be appropriate or apt for.
The nickname "Bullet" suits her, since she is a fast runner.
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.
Suit
To dress; to clothe.
Fit
(transitive) To tailor; to change to the appropriate size.
I had a suit fitted by the tailor.
Suit
To please; to make content; to fit one's taste.
He is well suited with his place.
My new job suits me, as I work fewer hours and don't have to commute so much.
Fit
(transitive) To be in agreement with.
These definitions fit most of the usage.
Suit
The attempt to gain an end by legal process; an action or process for the recovery of a right or claim; legal application to a court for justice; prosecution of right before any tribunal; as, a civil suit; a criminal suit; a suit in chancery.
I arrest thee at the suit of Count Orsino.
In England the several suits, or remedial instruments of justice, are distinguished into three kinds - actions personal, real, and mixed.
Fit
(transitive) To adjust.
The regression program fit a line to the data.
Suit
A number of things used together, and generally necessary to be united in order to answer their purpose; a number of things ordinarily classed or used together; a set; as, a suit of curtains; a suit of armor; a suit of clothes; a three-piece business suit.
Fit
(transitive) To attach, especially when requiring exact positioning or sizing.
Suit
To be fitted to; to accord with; to become; to befit.
Ill suits his cloth the praise of railing well.
Raise her notes to that sublime degreeWhich suits song of piety and thee.
Fit
(transitive) To equip or supply.
The chandler will fit us with provisions for a month.
Suit
To agree; to accord; to be fitted; to correspond; - usually followed by with or to.
The place itself was suiting to his care.
Give me not an officeThat suits with me so ill.
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.
Suit
A comprehensive term for any proceeding in a court of law whereby an individual seeks a legal remedy;
The family brought suit against the landlord
Fit
To be adjusted to a particular shape or size; to suit; to be adapted; as, his coat fits very well.
Suit
A set of garments (usually including a jacket and trousers or skirt) for outerwear all of the same fabric and color;
They buried him in his best suit
Fit
A display of bad temper;
He had a fit
She threw a tantrum
He made a scene
Suit
Playing card in any of four sets of 13 cards in a pack; each set has its own symbol and color;
A flush is five cards in the same suit
In bridge you must follow suit
What suit is trumps?
Fit
The manner in which something fits;
I admired the fit of her coat
Suit
A businessman dressed in a business suit;
All the suits care about is the bottom line
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
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
To make conform in size and shape.
I want to fit the drapes to the windows.
Fit
To be proper or becoming.
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
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
A sudden uncontrollable attack;
A paroxysm of giggling
A fit of coughing
Convulsions of laughter
Fit
Make correspond or harmonize;
Match my sweater
Fit
Physically and mentally sound or healthy;
Felt relaxed and fit after their holiday
Keeps fit with diet and exercise
Common Curiosities
Do both words have positive connotations?
Generally, yes. Both denote some form of compatibility or alignment.
Does "fit" always refer to size?
No, "fit" can also denote suitability in a broader context, like fitting into a group.
Can something "fit" but not "suit" someone?
Yes, a dress might fit (size-wise) but not suit (style-wise) someone.
Is "fit" subjective?
It can be, especially in abstract scenarios, but it's often more objective than "suit."
Can "suit" refer to physical size?
Rarely. "Suit" primarily indicates preference or style compatibility.
Is "suit" always about personal preference?
Mostly, but it can also denote general appropriateness.
Can "fit" relate to health?
Yes, as in someone being physically fit.
Can an item be a good fit for a purpose?
Yes, like a tool fitting a specific task.
Can "suit" mean a set of clothes?
Yes, like a business suit or bathing suit.
Does "suiting" mean dressing?
Not necessarily. It can mean "to make suitable" or "to be appropriate for."
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Written 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.
