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Patchily: meaning, definitions and examples

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patchily

 

[ˈpæʧɪli ]

Definition

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the word 'patch,' which refers to a small piece of material used to cover or repair an area.
  • Originally, 'patchy' indicated something made up of different pieces or areas, and adding '-ly' made it describe how this happens.

Weather

  • In meteorology, weather can be described as patchy fog or rain, meaning it only appears in certain regions, creating varied visibility.
  • Patchy rain refers to scattered showers that do not fall evenly across an area, leading to dry sections amidst wet ones.

Cultural Use

  • Art often showcases patchy styles where different colors may blend or clash, illustrating the uniqueness of each piece.
  • In literature, patchy narratives can describe stories with uneven pacing or sections that vary in depth and detail.

Technology

  • In internet connection terms, a patchy signal indicates areas with strong connectivity and others with weak or no signal, impacting user experience.
  • Software updates can be patchy if not universally applied, causing some users to experience bugs while others enjoy improvements.

Psychology

  • Patchy memories reflect how people often recall events in fragments, especially if they were emotional or stress-inducing.
  • Mental health can also be patchy, where some days feel good while others feel challenging, illustrating the ups and downs of emotional well-being.

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

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.