Disjointed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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.

Main points about word origin

• 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.

The word 'disjointed' originated from the Old French word 'desjointier', which meant 'to dismember'. Over time, it evolved to mean lacking coherence or connection. The term has been used in English literature and language to describe things that are disconnected or incoherent.

See also: joint, jointed, jointly, joints.

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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