“Whit” is a tiny or very small amount of something—so little that it’s almost nothing.
People slip it into sentences like, “I don’t care a whit about the gossip,” or “There isn’t a whit of truth in that rumor.” It’s mostly used in negative phrases to stress how small or unimportant something is.
Meaning & Usage Examples
- I couldn’t find a whit of evidence.
- He doesn’t give a whit what others think.
- The recipe calls for a whit of salt—just a pinch.
Context / Common Use
You’ll hear “a whit” mostly in spoken English and informal writing, especially when someone wants to sound a little old-fashioned or emphatic. It almost always appears with “not,” “no,” or “without” to underline zero quantity or concern.
Is “a whit” formal or informal?
It’s informal and slightly dated, but still pops up in casual conversation for emphasis.
Can I use “whit” alone, without “a”?
No—native speakers say “a whit” or “one whit.” Dropping the article sounds odd.
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