whit

[ wit, hwit ]

noun

1. a particle; bit; jot (used especially in negative phrases):

   not a whit better.

whit

¹

/ wɪt /

noun

1. usually used with a negative the smallest particle; iota; jot

   he has changed not a whit

Whit

²

/ wɪt /

noun

1. See Whitsuntide

adjective

1. of or relating to Whitsuntide

Word History and Origins

Origin of whit¹

1470–80; perhaps alteration of Middle English wiht wight ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of whit¹

C15: probably variant of wight ¹

Example Sentences

And if the ending doesn’t feel entirely earned … well, we had so much fun getting there that it doesn’t matter a whit.

From Seattle Times

“It changes not a whit about our policy.”

From Seattle Times

All were built on speed, defense and a deep bullpen with Herzog not caring a whit about home runs.

From Los Angeles Times

Intonation didn’t seem to matter a whit to her.

From New York Times

Does any person past the age of playing with their toes really believe that he cares one whit about plagiarism and antisemitism, the ostensible rationales for her departure?

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• iota