Disjointedly: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from 'disjoint', which is formed by the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'apart' or 'away' and 'joint', meaning 'to connect'.
• The first known use of 'disjointed' dates back to the early 15th century.
• It evolved from Middle French 'desjoint', which carried similar meanings of separation.

Psychology

• Disjointed thinking can occur during stress or confusion, making someone's speech seem random.
• In therapeutic settings, disjointed expressions may be a sign of underlying psychological conditions that need attention.
• Sometimes, the way people think and express themselves can reveal their state of mind, especially when ideas seem scattered.

Literature

• Writers often use disjointed narratives to give readers a sense of chaos or character confusion.
• Postmodern literature frequently employs non-linear storytelling, reflecting disjointedness in human experience.
• Famous works like 'Catch-22' exemplify this style, where time and events are presented in a broken, disjointed manner.

Communication

• Effective communication often relies on connected thoughts, while disjointed speech can confuse listeners.
• Speakers might unconsciously become disjointed when trying to express complex ideas quickly.
• Active listening can help people responding to disjointed speech to provide clarity and connection.

Art

• In visual art, disjointed styles can be used to create a sense of fragmentation, as seen in cubism.
• Artists like Pablo Picasso often intentionally used disjointed forms to challenge traditional representation.
• Disjointed techniques in performance art emphasize real human experiences of fragmentation and chaos.