masterding
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- Nov 13, 2008
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Does "A bit of" mean a small amount of sth or a large amount sth?
Webster and Oxford have seemingly contrary answers.
Definition by Webster quote:"a small amount or quantity : a little of something "
Example sentence :They understand only a bit of [=a little of] what is going on.
Link Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary
Definition by Oxford quote:" a bit (of something) (informal, especially British English) a large amount"
Example sentence :
The new system will take a bit of getting used to (= it will take a long time to get used to).
Link bit - Definition and pronunciation | Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com
So again , does "A bit of" mean a small amount or a large amount?
Thank a lot.
Webster and Oxford have seemingly contrary answers.
Definition by Webster quote:"a small amount or quantity : a little of something "
Example sentence :They understand only a bit of [=a little of] what is going on.
Link Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary
Definition by Oxford quote:" a bit (of something) (informal, especially British English) a large amount"
Example sentence :
The new system will take a bit of getting used to (= it will take a long time to get used to).
Link bit - Definition and pronunciation | Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com
So again , does "A bit of" mean a small amount or a large amount?
Thank a lot.