Fragmentary Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐งฉ
fragmentary
[หfrรฆษก.mษnหter.i ]
Definition
incomplete
Consisting of small, disconnected parts; incomplete or fragmentary.
Synonyms
disjointed, incomplete, partial, scattered, sketchy.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| fragmentary |
Describes something that consists of small, incomplete parts. Often used when talking about evidence, stories, or data that is not complete.
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| incomplete |
Refers to something that lacks some parts or is not finished.
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| partial |
Means something that is not whole or is only a part of the whole. It can also imply bias if referring to a person's opinion.
|
| disjointed |
Used when something is not connected in a clear or logical way, especially in speech, writing, or thought.
|
| sketchy |
Implies that something is lacking detail or is incomplete, often in a negative way.
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| scattered |
Describes things that are spread out or dispersed in various directions, often without order.
|
Examples of usage
- The archaeologists found only fragmentary remains of the ancient civilization.
- Her memories of that night are only fragmentary, with many details missing.
- The report was based on fragmentary evidence and could not be considered reliable.
- The novel provides only a fragmentary glimpse into the protagonist's life.
- The historian pieced together the fragmentary records to reconstruct the events of that period.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Fragmentary texts in literature are often used to create mystery and engage readers, leaving space for interpretation.
- Classic works, like the poetry of Sappho, are mostly known through fragmentary pieces that hint at their original beauty.
- Fiction often employs fragmentary storytelling to reflect a character's disjointed thoughts or memories.
Art
- In modern art, fragmentary pieces symbolize the complexity of human experience, showing lifeโs incomplete narratives.
- Cubism, a movement in art, often depicts subjects in a fragmentary style, breaking them down into geometric shapes.
- Archival arts maintain fragmentary items like letters or photos that tell stories of the past in incomplete yet powerful ways.
Psychology
- The human mind can sometimes recall fragmentary memories, which can be distorted or incomplete.
- Fragmentary thoughts may reflect a person's cognitive disorganization, often present in conditions like PTSD.
- Memory can be seen as fragmentary because our brain often pieces together bits of information to create a full picture.
Film and Media
- Fragmentary narratives are popular in cinema, often used in thrillers to maintain suspense and intrigue.
- Documentary films sometimes present their themes in a fragmentary way, weaving together clips from different sources for impact.
- Television series may use fragmentary plotlines to build curiosity, revealing information bit by bit.
Origin of 'fragmentary'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'fragmentum,' meaning 'a piece broken off.'
- It has been in use in the English language since the late 14th century.
- The term is related to the word 'fragment,' which refers to a part that is left over after the whole is gone.
The word 'fragmentary' originates from the Latin word 'fragmentum,' meaning a small piece. It entered the English language in the late 18th century, evolving to describe something consisting of small, disconnected parts or being incomplete. The concept of fragmentation has been explored in various fields, including literature, archaeology, and psychology.
See also: fragmentable, fragmentation, fragmented, fragmenting, fragmentize, fragments.