A2verb1K

Hit

UK /["/hɪt/","/hɪts/","/ˈhɪtɪŋ/"]/US /["/hɪt/","/hɪts/","/ˈhɪtɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to bring your hand, or an object you are holding, against somebody/something quickly and with force

In simple words: To touch or strike something with force.

Examples

  • He decided to hit the ball with the bat.
  • She didn't mean to hit her sister during the game.
  • The movie was a big hit at the box office.
  • If you hit the target, you will win a prize.
  • The team hopes to hit their goals this season.

Usage notes

Commonly used in both physical contexts (like hitting a ball) and metaphorical ones (like hitting a deadline). Avoid using it in overly formal contexts.

Grammar pattern

hit + object

Memory hint

Imagine a baseball player getting ready to hit a home run!

Collocations

  • hard
  • repeatedly
  • directly
  • want to
  • be going to
  • in
  • on
  • with
  • hit somebody over the head
  • hard
  • repeatedly
  • directly
  • want to
  • be going to
  • in
  • on
  • with
  • hit somebody over the head
  • hard
  • repeatedly
  • directly
  • want to
  • be going to
  • in
  • on
  • with
  • hit somebody over the head
  • hard
  • repeatedly
  • directly
  • want to
  • be going to
  • in
  • on
  • with
  • hit somebody over the head
  • badly
  • hard
  • heavily

Synonyms

  • strike
  • smack
  • slap
  • bash
  • thump

Antonyms

  • miss
  • avoid
  • pass

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'hit' when referring to success; use 'achieved' instead.
  • Using 'hitted' instead of 'hit' for past tense.
  • 'Hit' can be confused with 'strike' but is more casual.