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Fractionally Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fractionally

[หˆfrรฆkสƒษ™nษ™li ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

small amount

Fractionally means to a very small degree or amount. It is often used in contexts where slight differences or adjustments are being discussed.

Synonyms

marginally, minutely, slightly.

Examples of usage

  • The price was fractionally lower than last week.
  • He improved fractionally in his performance.
  • They adjusted the settings fractionally to optimize the results.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • In math, fractions represent numbers that are not whole โ€“ like 1/2, which is half of something.
  • The concept of fractions is essential for understanding ratios, proportions, and percentages.
  • Fractional values are commonly used in measurements, such as cooking, construction, and finance.

Everyday Usage

  • People often use 'fractionally' in contexts like sales and discountsโ€”saying something is 'fractionally cheaper' means it costs slightly less.
  • The term is common in finance, signifying a small change in value or price of stocks and assets.
  • In daily conversations, 'fractionally' can describe improvements, for instance, 'I feel fractionally better today.'

Psychology

  • Research shows that humans can perceive very small changes, often described as 'fractional differences' in preferences and judgments.
  • In therapy, making 'fractional' changes in habits can lead to significant improvements over time.
  • A concept known as 'just noticeable difference' refers to the minimal change in stimuli that can be detected, often described in fractional terms.

Technology

  • In software development, fractional values are often used in algorithms that require precise calculations.
  • Fractionally addressing data in databases ensures accurate storage and retrieval of numeric information.
  • Fractional scaling in graphics helps maintain quality and sharpness when resizing images.

Origin of 'fractionally'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'fractio', meaning 'to break', highlighting its connection to parts of a whole.
  • It first appeared in English around the late 14th century, primarily used in mathematics.
  • The root word 'fractus' means 'broken', which emphasizes the idea of dividing things into smaller sections.

The word 'fractionally' derives from the word 'fraction,' which comes from the Latin 'fractio,' meaning 'a breaking.' This was used in the context of mathematics to describe parts of a whole. As the term evolved in the English language, 'fraction' began to be used to refer to a division into parts or a small portion. The suffix '-ally' was added to form the adverb, indicating the manner in which something happens, thus creating 'fractionally' to denote a degree of measure that is less than a whole. Its usage developed particularly in the fields of mathematics, science, and economics, reflecting precision and small changes.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,587, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.