Discontinuous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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discontinuous
[ˌdɪskənˈtɪnjuəs ]
Definitions
linguistics
Not continuous; having intervals or gaps.
Synonyms
disconnected, disjointed, intermittent.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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discontinuous |
Use this term when something is not continuous or is interrupted in its course. Often used in scientific, mathematical, or technical contexts.
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disjointed |
Denotes things that are lacking a logical or smooth connection. Usually has a negative connotation and is used for speech, writing, and thoughts.
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intermittent |
Describes something occurring at irregular intervals, not constantly or steadily. Commonly used for events, symptoms, and phenomena.
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disconnected |
This is used when something or someone is detached or separated, often indicating a lack of coherence or unity. It can be used for physical objects, ideas, or people.
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Examples of usage
- The data showed a discontinuous pattern.
- Her speech was marked by discontinuous pauses.
- The discontinuous nature of the timeline made it difficult to follow.
mathematics
Of a function, having one or more points at which it fails to be continuous.
Synonyms
non-continuous.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
discontinuous |
Typically used in both technical and non-technical contexts to describe something that is not continuous or has interruptions or gaps.
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non-continuous |
Primarily used in formal or technical contexts to describe something that does not follow a continuous path or sequence.
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Examples of usage
- The function is discontinuous at x=0.
- The discontinuous graph had sharp corners.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Mathematics
- In mathematics, a discontinuous function has one or more breaks in its graph, making it impossible to draw without lifting a pencil.
- The concept of discontinuity is essential in calculus and helps in understanding limits and behaviors of functions.
Physics
- In physics, discontinuous phenomena can describe systems where changes occur suddenly rather than gradually, such as phase transitions.
- The concept helps physicists study systems that do not follow a steady state, revealing insights into behaviors like critical points.
Literature
- Writers often use discontinuous narratives to create tension or intrigue, presenting events out of chronological order.
- This style was prominent in modernist literature, with authors like James Joyce and Virginia Woolf employing this technique to reflect the complexity of human experience.
Cultural Studies
- In cultural analysis, a discontinuous history may refer to periods where developments are sudden and transformative, breaking from the past.
- Understanding historical discontinuities can reveal insights into societal changes, showing how communities adapt to new realities.
Origin of 'discontinuous'
Main points about word origin
- The word combines the prefix 'dis-', meaning 'apart' or 'away', with 'continuous', which comes from Latin roots meaning 'to hold together'.
- First documented use of 'discontinuous' was in the early 19th century, signifying something that is not unbroken.
The word 'discontinuous' originated from the Latin word 'discontinuus', which is a combination of 'dis-' meaning 'apart' and 'continuus' meaning 'continuous'. The term was first used in the 16th century to describe something lacking continuity or having breaks or interruptions.
See also: continual, continually, continuance, continuation, continuing, continuity, continuous, continuously, discontinuance, discontinuation, discontinue, discontinued, discontinuity.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #13,232, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.
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