Disjointed: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Middle English 'disjointen', meaning to separate or disconnect.
• Its roots can be traced back to the Latin 'disiunctus', which means 'divided or separated'.
• Over time, the term evolved to describe ideas or narratives that aren’t well connected.

Literature

• In storytelling, a disjointed narrative can create confusion, often used purposely to depict a chaotic situation.
• Famous works like 'The Sound and the Fury' by William Faulkner employ disjointed timelines to reflect the characters' mental states.
• Poetry may use disjointed structures to provoke thought and convey emotions in unexpected ways.

Psychology

• Disjointed thoughts can often result from cognitive overload, where the mind struggles to process too much information at once.
• Conditions like schizophrenia may present disjointed speech, which reflects a break in the logical connections of thoughts.
• Therapeutic techniques often aim to help individuals connect their thoughts and feelings for clearer understanding.

Music

• In music, a disjointed melody or rhythm creates a sense of unpredictability, making certain pieces more engaging.
• Avant-garde composers frequently use disjointed elements to challenge traditional musical structures.
• Jazz improvisation might result in disjointed riffs that reflect the spontaneity of performance.

Communication

• Disjointed communication can lead to misunderstandings, especially in settings requiring clarity, like business meetings.
• Effective speakers often work to avoid disjointed expressions by connecting their ideas logically.
• In debates, disjointed arguments can weaken a case, as coherence is key to persuading an audience.

Positioned at #21,059, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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