whit

Everyday

1. A whit is a very tiny amount; it is used almost only in negative phrases: «not a whit» means not at all. tree →
2. «Whit» is also short for Whitsun or Whit Sunday, the Christian feast of Pentecost (church, UK). tree →

In the lessons

It is an old-fashioned, literary word found in classic stories, the Bible and old poems: «He cared not a whit». In the UK, Whit Sunday or Whitsun is the church feast of Pentecost, when Christians believe the Holy Spirit came to Jesus's followers; «Whit Monday» was a holiday. Phrases: «not a whit», «every whit», «Whit Sunday», «Whitsun».

Examples

• He cared not a whit about the rain. tree →
• The new rule did not change things one whit. tree →
• The old knight was not a whit afraid. tree →
• My little brother is every whit as stubborn as me. tree →
• Whit Sunday is also called Pentecost. tree →
• In the old days, children had a holiday at Whitsun. tree →

Note

Old-fashioned; modern speech says «not at all», «not a bit». Do not confuse with «wit» (cleverness or humour) or «white». Countable in form but almost never plural.

In Jewish tradition

Used in "not a whit," meaning not at all. In the primary lessons: It is an old-fashioned, literary word found in classic stories, the Bible and old poems: «He cared not a whit». In the UK, Whit Sunday or Whitsun is the church feast of Pentecost, when Christians believe the Holy Spirit came to Jesus's followers; «Whit Monday» was a holiday. Phrases: «not a whit», «every whit», «Whit Sunday», «Whitsun».

Examples

• Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. (Writings PSA.51.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• Her princes were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was as of sapphire; (Writings LAM.4.7, JPS 1917) tree →
• And her prophets have daubed for them with whited plaster, seeing falsehood, and divining lies unto them, saying: Thus saith the Lord GOD, when the LORD hath not spoken. (Prophets EZK.22.28, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Old-fashioned; modern speech says «not at all», «not a bit». Do not confuse with «wit» (cleverness or humour) or «white». Countable in form but almost never plural.