Whit
/wɪt/noun
A very small amount; a bit.
Did you know?In Old English, 'whit' was connected to the concept of brightness, reflecting a deep-rooted belief in the power of light to ward off darkness.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰeydʰ-
“To shine, to be bright.”
Old English
Old English
hwita
“White, bright, or shining.”
Middle English
Middle English
whit
“A small amount; a bit.”
Modern English
English
whit
“A very small amount; often used in negative constructions.”