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Patchily: meaning, definitions and examples

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patchily

 

[ ˈpæʧɪli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

inconsistent distribution

The term 'patchily' refers to something that is done or exists in a scattered or uneven manner. It often describes situations where results, qualities, or components are not uniformly applied or visible, suggesting a form of irregularity or lack of completeness. This adverb is frequently used in contexts such as research, environmental assessments, and problem identification. It can highlight areas where improvements are needed or where conditions are only partially met.

Synonyms

irregularly, scattered, unevenly

Examples of usage

  • The data was patchily interpreted across different studies.
  • Rain fell patchily over the region.
  • The benefits of the new policy were felt patchily at first.

Translations

Translations of the word "patchily" in other languages:

🇵🇹 de forma irregular

🇮🇳 खंडित रूप से

🇩🇪 stückweise

🇮🇩 secara terfragmentasi

🇺🇦 пачками

🇵🇱 fragmentarycznie

🇯🇵 断片的に

🇫🇷 par morceaux

🇪🇸 de forma fragmentaria

🇹🇷 parça parça

🇰🇷 조각조각

🇸🇦 بشكل غير منتظم

🇨🇿 kouskovitě

🇸🇰 fragmentárne

🇨🇳 零散地

🇸🇮 fragmentarno

🇮🇸 brotkennt

🇰🇿 бөлікті түрде

🇬🇪 ნაწყვეტილად

🇦🇿 dəyişkən şəkildə

🇲🇽 de forma fragmentada

Etymology

The word 'patchily' is derived from 'patch,' which originates from the Middle English word 'pacche' meaning a piece of material used for mending or fixing. The term evolved to describe areas that are not uniform, much like patches in fabric. The suffix '-ly' indicates that it is used as an adverb, which modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, to describe the manner in which something occurs. The concept captures the essence of something being only partially complete or present, going back to its roots in the idea of mending or fixing inconsistent coverage. As language developed, 'patchily' became more common in discussions of data analysis, environmental change, and any scenario where uneven distribution is evident.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,635, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.