A bit of

[masterding]

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.

 

[Barb_D]

It will depend on the context.

 

[SoothingDave]

I think a "bit" is a small amount. It's use in statement like:

The new system will take a bit of getting used to

seems to me to be understatement.

 

[masterding]

It will depend on the context .

I don't know what context can I give ,at least I have quoted some example sentences.
Can you give me some examples with context that illustrate how "a bit of" can mean a large amount of sth?Thanks.

 

[masterding]

I think a "bit" is a small amount. It's use in statement like:



seems to me to be understatement.

But Oxford says it means "it will take a long time to get used to".

 

[Barb_D]

That would be understatement.

It will take a bit of time, if taken as an understatement, means that it will take a long time.

You can also say this with a literal meaning. It will take a small amount of time.

You need context to know what the speaker/writer intended.

How is the new ordering system?
A: It will take a bit of time getting used to it. Ask me again in 2014. (Understatement. It will take a long time.)
B: It will take a bit of time getting used to it, but I think we'll be fully on board by the first of the year. (Literal. It will take a small amount of time.)

You cannot know, if you just see the sentence in isolation, what is meant.

 

[masterding]

If you just say "It will take a long time to get used to.", I don't think we need any context to know the meaning.:lol:
Let me rephrase your example:
A:How is the new ordering system?
B: It will take a bit of time getting used to it.
Does it mean long time or short time ,or we need more informations(context) to decide?

 

[Barb_D]

If you just say "It will take a long time to get used to.", I don't think we need any context to know the meaning.:lol: Okay, but both of my sentences used "a little bit" not "a long time."

Let me rephrase your example: Repeating my sentences is not rephrasing my sentences
A:How is the new ordering system?
B: It will take a bit of time getting used to it.
Does it mean long time or short time ,or we need more informations(context) to decide? How much more clearly can I say this? YES, YOU NEED CONTEXT!

.

 

[5jj]

How much more clearly can I say this? YES, YOU NEED CONTEXT!.

So, if I understand you correctly, we need context, then?

;-)

 

[Barb_D]

No, 5jj. *YOU* need cnotxet. The rest of us need context. ;-)

 

[~Mav~]

Thank you, Barb.

Repeating my sentences is not rephrasing my sentences.

If we wanted to repeat your sentences you have written on this forum so far, we would need to read through 10,000 posts* just to start with. ;-)

Thank you very much for the time and effort that you have put into this forum to help us.

* Now even more, but that was your 10,000th post. :-D

 

[5jj]

Re: Thank you, Barb.

* Now even more, but that was your 10,000th post. :-D

I missed that. Congratulations, Barb. Here's to the next 10,000, and many more members who will benefit from your posts. :cheers:

 

[Barb_D]

Thanks, I had no idea!

 

[masterding]

I' m sorry you take it as a "repeating",maybe I am not so clear of the difference between "rephrasing" and "repeating".
But what I was trying to say is when A asks B this question, there's a good chance that B will simply reply with "It will take a bit of getting used to it.", without mentioning the time(how long will it take). Will A be confused and complain to B ,say "Hey dude, give me some context."?
There's another example in my computer book, quote, "This syntax takes a bit of getting used to. You add the method to the delegate; you are not actually calling the method at this point.The + operator is overloaded to have this new meaning when used with delegates. " ,Is there enough of context to deduce whether it is meant "long time" or "short time"?
I found a similar topic on Merriam Webster's ask the editor, link :Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary
Coincidentally the question was asked by my fellow countryman, it seems that chinese men don't like context. :lol:
Anyway ,thank you for your help ,Barb_D, I really appreciate it.

 

[Barb_D]

Does the person look optimistic and determined? Then "a little bit" is probably literal.
Does the person look exasperated, and perhaps roll their eyes when they say "a little bit"? If so, it's probably understatement and it meansa a long time.