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Partitions Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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partitions

[pəˈtɪʃənz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

dividing a space

Partitions refer to dividing a space into separate areas or sections, usually for organizational or privacy purposes. They can be walls, screens, or dividers that create distinct areas within a larger space.

Synonyms

dividers, screens.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
partitions

Typically used in architectural or design contexts to describe walls or panels that divide space into separate areas, often permanently or semi-permanently.

  • The office was redesigned with glass partitions to create a more open and collaborative environment.
  • They installed partitions in the living room to create a small home office.
dividers

Used in a broader sense to refer to objects or structures that separate or divide space. This can be applied in various contexts including office supplies, furniture, or larger architectural elements.

  • We used wooden dividers to separate the dining area from the living room.
  • The teacher handed out divider tabs to help students organize their notebooks.
screens

Often refers to lightweight, portable panels that can be moved easily, frequently used for temporary or flexible space division.

  • They set up folding screens to provide privacy for guests in the shared room.
  • The hospital uses screens to separate patient beds in the emergency ward.

Examples of usage

  • Office partitions are commonly used to create individual workspaces in open-plan offices.
  • The partitions in the classroom allowed for small group activities to take place simultaneously.
  • The restaurant had partitions between each table to provide a sense of privacy for diners.
Context #2 | Noun

computing

In computing, partitions refer to dividing a storage device into multiple sections, each of which acts as a separate unit with its own file system. This allows for better organization of data and can help improve system performance.

Synonyms

divisions, sections, segments.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
partitions

Similar to 'partitions' but more commonly used interchangeably without a specific context distinction.

  • They installed partitions to create separate workspaces.
  • The storage disk has several partitions.
sections

Used for a broader range of separations, often implying smaller, more distinct parts of a larger whole, such as in documents, books, or classes.

  • Read the first two sections of the report.
  • The orchestra's string section played beautifully.
divisions

Appropriate for describing the act of separating something into parts, often implying organizational or structural separation, such as within a company or a military unit.

  • The company's management structure includes several key divisions.
  • The north and south divisions of the army coordinated their movements.
segments

Refers to portions of something that are distinct and often sequential, particularly used in contexts like marketing, aviation, or mathematics.

  • The fruit is divided into several segments.
  • The marketing campaign targets different segments of the population.

Examples of usage

  • The hard drive was partitioned into separate sections for the operating system and user files.
  • Partitioning the disk can help prevent data loss by isolating potential issues to specific sections.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Architecture

  • In architecture, partitions are used to create rooms or areas within a larger space without building permanent walls.
  • Movable partitions are popular in modern offices to allow for flexible and adaptable workspaces.

Computer Science

  • In computing, partitions are sections of a hard drive that can be managed separately, allowing for organization and increased performance.
  • Operating systems often use partitions to separate system files from user data, making backups easier and more efficient.

Culture

  • In historical contexts, partitions have been used to describe the division of regions or countries, such as the Partition of India in 1947, which created India and Pakistan.
  • Partitions in art installations can create immersive experiences, guiding viewers through individual narratives.

Psychology

  • The concept of partitioning in psychology can refer to separate mental compartments, helping individuals manage different aspects of their lives.
  • Studies show that organizing tasks into smaller partitions can enhance productivity and reduce feelings of being overwhelmed.

Origin of 'partitions'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'partition' comes from the Latin 'partitio', which means 'a sharing or dividing'.
  • It appeared in English during the late 14th century, initially used to describe physical separations in spaces.

The word 'partitions' originated from the Latin word 'partitio' meaning 'division' or 'portion'. It has been used in English since the 15th century to refer to dividing or separating different parts. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass various contexts, from physical spaces to computing storage. The concept of partitions remains integral to organizing and compartmentalizing different elements.

See also: partitioned, partitioner, partitioning.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,607, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.