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Fitfully: meaning, definitions and examples

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fitfully

 

[ ˈfɪtfəli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

inconsistent action

Fitfully means occurring in an irregular or unpredictable manner. It describes actions or behaviors that happen sporadically rather than continuously or smoothly.

Synonyms

intermittently, irregularly, sporadically.

Examples of usage

  • She slept fitfully throughout the night, waking up every hour.
  • The engine started fitfully before finally running smoothly.
  • He fitfully attempted to focus on his work amid all the distractions.
  • The light flickered fitfully during the storm.

Translations

Translations of the word "fitfully" in other languages:

🇵🇹 intermitentemente

🇮🇳 अनियमित रूप से

🇩🇪 unregelmäßig

🇮🇩 secara tidak teratur

🇺🇦 перемінно

🇵🇱 przerywanie

🇯🇵 不規則に

🇫🇷 par intermittence

🇪🇸 intermitentemente

🇹🇷 düzensiz olarak

🇰🇷 간헐적으로

🇸🇦 بشكل متقطع

🇨🇿 přerušovaně

🇸🇰 prerušovane

🇨🇳 间歇地

🇸🇮 nepravilno

🇮🇸 óreglulega

🇰🇿 тұрақсыз

🇬🇪 გაუწყვეტლად

🇦🇿 düzensiz

🇲🇽 intermitentemente

Etymology

The word 'fitfully' is derived from the adjective 'fitful,' which originates from the Old English word 'fit,' meaning 'a sudden attack or seizure.' The term evolved in Middle English into 'fitful,' denoting something that occurs in fits, or bursts, rather than in a steady manner. The suffix '-ly' was then added to form the adverb 'fitfully,' signifying the manner of occurrence. This word is often used to describe sleep patterns, activities, or states of being that are characterized by lack of continuity or steadiness. Its usage in English literature can be traced back at least to the 19th century, where authors employed it to convey the unpredictability of certain situations or feelings.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,764, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.