jot

Everyday

1. To jot something down means to write it quickly in a few words. tree →
2. A jot is a very tiny amount, used mostly in «not a jot» meaning «not at all». tree →

In the lessons

At school pupils jot down ideas, notes or working before writing properly; a «jotter» (UK, Scotland) is a rough notebook. In older stories and the Bible «not one jot» means not the smallest bit. Phrases: «jot down», «not a jot», «not care a jot».

Examples

• Jot down your ideas before you start the story. tree →
• I jotted her phone number on my hand. tree →
• Jot your working in the margin. tree →
• He didn't care a jot about the rain. tree →
• The Mole hadn't a jot of fear left once he saw the Rat. tree →
• Please jot a quick note to say where you've gone. tree →
• «Jottings» are short notes written quickly. tree →
• Among these were many well-known rascals, who cared not a jot for study or for success. tree →

Note

Past: jotted, with double t. «Jot» comes from iota, the smallest Greek letter. Not a jot = nothing at all.