Patchy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐งฉ
patchy
[หpรฆtสi ]
Definitions
weather condition
Irregular or inconsistent in appearance, characterized by uneven distribution or coverage.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| patchy |
Use 'patchy' when describing something that has small parts that are different from the other parts, usually in a way that is incomplete or inconsistent.
|
| spotty |
Utilize 'spotty' to describe something that is unevenly distributed or lacking consistency, quality, or completeness.
|
| uneven |
Choose 'uneven' for surfaces or lines that are not level or smooth, or when quality or performance is inconsistent.
|
| irregular |
Apply 'irregular' when referring to objects or patterns that do not follow a standard or expected shape, form, or schedule.
|
Examples of usage
- The sky was patchy with clouds, allowing the sun to peek through.
- She had a patchy tan from spending time outside inconsistently.
information or knowledge
Consisting of scattered or disconnected parts, not continuous or complete.
Synonyms
disjointed, fragmented, incomplete.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| patchy |
Repeated entry - refer to the first definition of 'patchy'. |
| fragmented |
Used when something has been broken into smaller, separate parts, often referring to physical objects, thoughts, or organizational structures.
|
| incomplete |
Used when something is not finished or lacks some parts which should be there.
|
| disjointed |
Used to describe something that is not connected in a smooth or logical way, often happening with speech, writing, or sequences.
|
Examples of usage
- His understanding of the subject was patchy, as he had only studied certain parts of it.
- The data we collected was patchy and incomplete, making it difficult to draw conclusions.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In literature, authors often use 'patchy' to describe characters or settings that are inconsistent, highlighting imperfections in their development.
- The term is frequently used in reviews of books or films to indicate uneven quality in the narrative or production.
Science
- In environmental science, 'patchy' can describe ecosystems that are not uniformly distributed, like forests with varying tree density and biodiversity.
- In meteorology, weather patterns might be described as patchy when some areas experience rain while others remain dry.
Pop Culture
- Movies and TV shows sometimes have 'patchy' storytelling, where certain plot points are developed well while others seem rushed or underdeveloped.
- The term is often used in reviews of television shows that have inconsistent quality from episode to episode.
Psychology
- In psychology, 'patchy' can refer to inconsistent behaviors in individuals, where someone may show different traits in various situations.
- The concept of patchy memory describes instances where recollection is incomplete or fragmented, impacting a person's ability to recall events.
Origin of 'patchy'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from 'patch,' which refers to a small piece of something, combined with the suffix '-y' indicating a condition.
- It first appeared in the English language in the 17th century, when it referred to irregular or incomplete areas.
The word 'patchy' originates from the Middle English word 'pacche', which means 'a piece of cloth or other material used to mend or strengthen a weak or damaged part'. Over time, the meaning of 'patchy' evolved to describe things that are irregular or inconsistent in appearance. The usage of 'patchy' in modern English reflects its historical connection to patching things together in a haphazard manner.
See also: patch, patched, patcher, patches, patching, patchwork.