fitted: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighGeneral, with formal uses in technical and business contexts.
Quick answer
What does “fitted” mean?
Describing something that is shaped or designed to fit closely to something else, or having undergone a process of being made to fit.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Describing something that is shaped or designed to fit closely to something else, or having undergone a process of being made to fit.
Can describe being supplied or equipped with something, being suited or adapted to a purpose, or experiencing a sudden involuntary physical or mental state.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In BrE, 'fitted' is the standard past tense and past participle of 'fit' (meaning 'to be the right size/shape' or 'to install'). In AmE, both 'fitted' and 'fit' are used, with 'fit' often preferred for the size/shape sense ('The suit fit me well') and 'fitted' often used for the installation sense ('He fitted the shelves'). 'Fitted' as an adjective (e.g., 'fitted sheet') is standard in both.
Connotations
In BrE, 'fitted' is the neutral, standard form. In AmE, using 'fit' as past tense can sound more informal or idiomatic, while 'fitted' can sound slightly more formal or precise.
Frequency
'Fitted' is more frequent overall in BrE. In AmE, frequency is context-dependent.
Grammar
How to Use “fitted” in a Sentence
[be] fitted to/for N[be] fitted with N[have] N fitted[get] N fittedVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fitted” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The tailor fitted the suit perfectly.
- We have fitted new locks on all the doors.
- He was fitted for his uniform yesterday.
American English
- The mechanic fitted the new part. (AmE also uses 'fit')
- They fitted the room with a smoke alarm.
- She was fitted with a hearing aid.
adjective
British English
- They bought a house with a fitted kitchen.
- He prefers fitted shirts over loose ones.
- The fitted sheet keeps coming off the mattress.
American English
- The apartment came with fitted wardrobes. (AmE often says 'built-in closets')
- She wears a fitted blazer to look professional.
- Make sure you get a fitted sheet for a queen-size bed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to permanent installations or custom equipment: 'The office was fitted with the latest technology.'
Academic
Used in statistics ('fitted curve'), engineering, and design contexts.
Everyday
Commonly used for clothing, home furnishings, and car features: 'I need a fitted sheet for my bed.'
Technical
In engineering: 'The component was fitted into the assembly.' In statistics: 'fitted values' from a regression model.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fitted”
- Using 'fitting' as an adjective where 'fitted' is required (e.g., 'a fitting carpet' vs. 'a fitted carpet').
- Overusing 'fitted' in AmE where 'fit' as past tense is more natural for size (e.g., 'The shoes fitted me' may sound BrE to an AmE speaker).
- Misspelling as 'fited'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In British English, yes, it is the standard form. In American English, both 'fit' and 'fitted' are used, but 'fit' is often preferred for the 'size/shape' sense, while 'fitted' is common for the 'install/equip' sense.
A bed sheet with elasticated corners designed to fit tightly and securely over a mattress, as opposed to a 'flat sheet'.
Yes, commonly in two ways: 1) Physically: 'a fitted dress' (designed to fit the body closely). 2) Metaphorically: 'He is fitted for the role' (suited, equipped by nature or training).
'Fitted' often describes a standard design that is intended to fit closely (e.g., a fitted shirt). 'Custom-fit' (or 'made-to-measure') implies the item was specifically created to match the exact measurements of an individual, a step beyond 'fitted'.
Describing something that is shaped or designed to fit closely to something else, or having undergone a process of being made to fit.
Fitted is usually general, with formal uses in technical and business contexts. in register.
Fitted: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɪt.ɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɪt̬.ɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “fitted to a T (variant of 'to a T')”
- “fitted out (equipped)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a FIT TEDdy bear wearing a perfectly FIT TED suit. The '-ted' ending reminds you it's been made to fit.
Conceptual Metaphor
ADAPTATION IS A PHYSICAL FIT (e.g., 'fitted for the role'), COMPLETENESS IS A SNUG FIT (e.g., 'fitted kitchen').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'fitted' the LEAST appropriate choice in American English?