Fittingness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fittingness

[ˈfɪtɪŋnəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in psychology

The quality of being suitable or appropriate for a particular purpose or situation.

Synonyms

appropriateness, pertinence, suitability.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fittingness

Used when something is suitable for a particular situation or purpose, often with a sense of being exactly right.

  • The fittingness of her words at the memorial touched everyone.
  • There's a fittingness in his decision to retire after such a successful career.
appropriateness

Applied when something is proper or suitable for a specific context, often related to social norms and expectations.

  • The appropriateness of his attire for the formal event was unquestionable.
  • We need to consider the appropriateness of this content for children.
suitability

Refers to how well something fits or matches particular criteria or needs, often in a practical or functional sense.

  • We need to assess the suitability of this software for our business.
  • The suitability of the venue for the event was a primary concern.
pertinence

Used when emphasizing the relevance or significance of something to the matter at hand.

  • The pertinence of her questions made the discussion more insightful.
  • Given the topic, his comments were of high pertinence.

Examples of usage

  • The therapist assessed the fittingness of the treatment for the patient's needs.
  • Her decision to pursue a career in art showcased her fittingness for creativity.
Context #2 | Noun

general

The degree to which something is well-suited or matches a particular standard or expectation.

Synonyms

appropriateness, fitness, suitability.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fittingness

Use when referring to the quality of being suitable in a specific context, often related to social or cultural norms.

  • The fittingness of her response to the situation was commendable.
  • He questioned the fittingness of their attire for the formal event.
appropriateness

Best used in professional or formal settings to describe the correctness or suitability of an action or behavior.

  • The appropriateness of his comments was debated during the meeting.
  • She checked the appropriateness of the material before including it in her presentation.
fitness

Generally relates to physical health and well-being but can also be used to express suitability in a broader sense, such as qualifications for a role.

  • Her fitness for the role is unquestionable due to her experience.
  • He focused on his physical fitness to ensure he could complete the marathon.

Examples of usage

  • The fittingness of his remarks to the occasion impressed the audience.
  • The teacher evaluated the students' work based on its fittingness to the assignment.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • In philosophical discussions, fittingness often relates to the appropriateness of feelings or responses in moral situations.
  • The concept is explored in aesthetics, where it addresses how well an artistic element corresponds to its context or intention.
  • Fittingness plays a crucial role in ethical theories by determining what actions are suitable in various scenarios.

Psychology

  • Research shows that a sense of fittingness in social situations can enhance individual comfort and satisfaction.
  • People typically strive for fittingness in their choices, leading to higher well-being and identity coherence.
  • Cognitive dissonance can occur when there's a disconnect between an individual's expectations of fittingness and their actual experiences.

Art and Design

  • In design, fittingness is explored through how well elements harmonize within a space or concept, impacting overall effectiveness.
  • Artists often seek fittingness to ensure their work resonates with its audience by effectively conveying its intended message.
  • The principle of fittingness is crucial in branding; logos must match the essence of the company they represent to be effective.

Cultural Studies

  • Cultural fittingness reflects how well individuals adapt to or align with social norms and values in various contexts.
  • Stories often explore fittingness as characters navigate their roles within society, seeking acceptance or belonging.
  • Rituals and customs in different cultures embody principles of fittingness, reinforcing what is considered appropriate behavior.

Origin of 'fittingness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'fittingness' comes from the verb 'fit,' meaning to be the right size or shape for something.
  • It is a combination of 'fitting' and the suffix '-ness,' which indicates a state or quality.
  • First recorded in the early 19th century, 'fittingness' has evolved in usage within philosophy and aesthetics.

The word 'fittingness' dates back to the 16th century, derived from the verb 'fit' meaning 'to be suitable or appropriate'. Over time, it has evolved to encompass a broader sense of suitability and appropriateness in various contexts, especially in psychology and general discussions. The concept of fittingness plays a crucial role in assessing the relevance and compatibility of things to specific purposes or standards.


See also: fit, fitness, fitter, fitting, fittingly, misfit, outfitting, unfit, unfitness, unfitting.