Definition

Verb (intransitive) 1. To be compatible, suitable, or in agreement with something; to belong or be appropriate within a particular group, environment, or situation. * This meaning emphasizes harmony, lack of conflict, and suitability. 2. To find or make time for someone or something within a schedule. * This meaning is a separable phrasal verb, focusing on scheduling.

Usage and Examples

• Meaning 1 (To be compatible/belong):

  • The new design needs to fit in with the historical style of the neighborhood.
  • He tried hard to fit in at his new school.
  • Does this theory fit in with the observed data?

• Meaning 2 (To schedule):

  • The doctor can fit you in at 3 p.m.
  • I'm busy, but I'll try to fit in a meeting this afternoon.

Advanced Usage

• "to fit in with the crowd": To behave or dress similarly to others in a group to be accepted.
  • As a teenager, she felt pressure to fit in with the crowd.
• "a round peg in a square hole": An idiom describing someone who does not fit in.
  • He felt like a round peg in a square hole at the formal corporate event.

Variants and Related Words

• Fit (verb/adjective): The base word meaning to be the right size/shape or suitable.
• Fitting (adjective): Appropriate or suitable.
  • It was a fitting tribute.
• Fitful (adjective): Occurring in irregular bursts (not directly related to "fit in").
  • a fitful sleep

Synonyms

• Belong: To be a member or part of a group.
• Conform: To comply with rules, standards, or customs.
• Harmonize: To form a pleasing or consistent whole.
• Accord: To be in agreement or harmony.
• Assimilate: To integrate and become similar.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Fit (someone/something) in: To manage to see someone or do something within a busy schedule (separable).
  • Can you fit a coffee in before your flight?
• Fit into (something): To be suitable for or belong to a category, space, or plan.
  • This chapter fits into the overall theme of the book.
  • How many people can fit into the car?

Related Idioms

• Square peg in a round hole: A person who is not suited to their position or environment (similar to "a round peg in a square hole").
• To find one's niche: To find a situation or activity for which one is particularly well-suited.
  • After changing careers, she finally found her niche.

Verb

1. go together
   • The colors don't harmonize
   • Their ideas concorded