hitting - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
hitting Word Meanings
- to strike someone or something
- to reach or come in contact with
- to have an impact on someone or something
hitting Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
hitting Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/hɪt/
US
/hɪt/
hitting Word Etymology
hit = hit (root). Originated from Old English 'hyttian', meaning 'to strike'. Visualize someone swinging a bat and making solid contact with a ball.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I draw back my arm, line up my stance, and breathe out as the moment comes. The fist moves forward and the contact happens, a quick sting that travels up the forearm. I feel the effort rise, my wrist adjusting as I push and pull to control the hit. The taste of it is simple: a decision in motion, something I’ll carry into real life when I need to hit a target, a ball, or a point in a conversation.
Real Context
Hit is a versatile verb used to describe making contact with something by striking, but it can also mean to reach or come into contact with a person, place, or idea. In sports you hit a ball with a bat or racquet, and in everyday speech you can say you hit the wall when you run into difficulty, or that a message hits home when it resonates. Hit is common in many phrasal and idiomatic expressions: hit the target, hit the brakes, hit the jackpot, or hit on an idea, which means to discover an idea. Some uses emphasize speed or force (hit hard) and others timing (hit the deadline) or influence (a policy hits many people).
Usage Reminders
- Remember these tips:
- - Use hit for both physical contact and impact in ideas or events.
- - Distinguish physical hit (hit the ball) from figurative uses (hit home).
- - Learn key phrasal verbs: hit the target, hit the brakes, hit on an idea.
- - Note the past form stays hit (no -ed).
- - Pair with prepositions carefully: hit by, hit with, hit against.
Common Misconceptions
- Hit only means physically striking something.
- All figurative uses are rare or informal.
- ‘Hit’ always requires a direct object in every sense.
- Confuse hit with strike or beat in all contexts.
- Mispronounce the word as a two-syllable word (hee-tt).
Thinking Differences
Hit blends literal touching and figurative effect; other languages often separate physical contact from impact or arrival with different verbs or constructions, so learners may mis-apply a physical verb to abstract uses or miss common phrasal verb patterns.
Learning Tips
- Build core collocations: hit the target, hit the brakes, hit the jackpot, hit home, hit on an idea, hit hard.
- Remember the past form is the same as the base form: hit.
- Differentiate physical hit vs. figurative hit with context.
- Practice phrasal verbs in context (hit by, hit with, hit up).
- Study authentic examples to avoid direct-language translations.
- Practice listening to natural speech to hear subtle stress in phrases.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'hitting' mean?
A.Striking something with force
B.Creating a melody with musical notes
C.Sitting quietly in a chair
D.Listening to music
Step 2: Usage
Identify the correct usage of 'hitting' in a sentence.
A.He enjoyed hitting the road during his travels.
B.The cake hitting the table looked delicious.
C.She was hitting the target with her precise aim.
D.The book is hitting on interesting topics.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'hitting'?
A.Jumping
B.Striking
C.Seeing
D.Thinking
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'hitting'?
A.Throwing
B.Missing
C.Catching
D.Holding
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where 'hitting' is used correctly?
A.During the boxing match, hitting was the goal to win.
B.She likes to go shopping for new clothes every weekend.
C.He won the award for best performance in a play.
D.In a game, the player scored a point after making an accurate shot.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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