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Piecemeal: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”จ
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piecemeal

 

[หˆpiหsmiหl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in segments

Piecemeal refers to a method of doing something gradually or piece by piece rather than all at once. It is often used to describe a process that lacks a cohesive or organized approach, resulting in a fragmented outcome. This term can apply to various contexts, such as project management, writing, or problem-solving. When something is done piecemeal, it may take longer to complete, and the end result might lack continuity. The term highlights a step-by-step progression rather than a holistic execution.

Synonyms

fragmentarily, gradually, incrementally.

Examples of usage

  • She completed the project piecemeal over several months.
  • The changes were implemented piecemeal, causing confusion.
  • We are updating the system piecemeal to minimize disruptions.
Context #2 | Adjective

disjointed methodology

When used as an adjective, piecemeal describes a situation or approach that is disjointed and lacking in unity or coherence. This speaks to the unfinished or incomplete nature of the efforts being made, suggesting that something essential may be missing. In terms of policy or strategy, a piecemeal approach can lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities for integration.

Synonyms

fragmented, scattered, uncoordinated.

Examples of usage

  • The piecemeal approach to policy reform has been criticized.
  • Her piecemeal analysis overlooked important interactions.
  • The piecemeal development strategy failed to address the broader issues.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'piecemeal' comes from the combination of words 'piece' and 'meal', meaning by 'pieces' in Old English and referring to parts of a whole.
  • Originally, it described a method of taking food in small portions or by the piece.
  • The first documented use of 'piecemeal' in English dates back to the late 15th century.

Psychology

  • Research shows that breaking tasks into smaller parts can reduce stress and improve concentration.
  • People often find it easier to manage distractions when completing tasks piecemeal, as it allows for brief periods of focused effort.
  • The concept aligns with cognitive load theory, which suggests learning is best when information is presented in smaller, manageable chunks.

Literature

  • In popular literature, characters often struggle with piecemeal approaches, where their gradual growth leads to significant changes over time.
  • Authors may highlight the piecemeal growth of relationships, as characters develop deeper bonds through small, meaningful interactions.
  • Classic novels often illustrate piecemeal development in the lives of protagonists, showcasing their transformations through a sequence of events.

Pop Culture

  • Television series often employ piecemeal storytelling, where plotlines unfold gradually over multiple episodes.
  • Many popular video games require players to unlock abilities and levels piecemeal, enhancing the sense of progress and achievement.
  • In music, artists may release singles piecemeal before an album launch to build anticipation and engage listeners.

Education

  • Teachers frequently use piecemeal techniques in lesson planning, breaking complex subjects into digestible lessons.
  • This method helps students grasp challenging topics more effectively by scaffolding knowledge gradually.
  • Project-based learning often adopts a piecemeal approach, allowing students to develop skills incrementally while working towards a larger goal.

Translations

Translations of the word "piecemeal" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น por partes

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคŸเฅเค•เคกเคผเฅ‹เค‚ เคฎเฅ‡เค‚

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช stรผckweise

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ secara bertahap

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะพ ั‡ะฐัั‚ะธะฝะฐั…

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ po kawaล‚ku

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้ƒจๅˆ†็š„ใซ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท par morceaux

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ por partes

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท parรงa parรงa

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ถ€๋ถ„์ ์œผ๋กœ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฌุฒุกูŠุงู‹

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ po ฤรกstech

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ po ฤastiach

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้€ๆญฅ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ po delih

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รญ skrefum

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑำฉะปั–ะบั‚ะตั€ะผะตะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒœแƒแƒฌแƒ˜แƒšแƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜แƒก แƒ›แƒ˜แƒฎแƒ”แƒ“แƒ•แƒ˜แƒ—

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hissษ™-hissษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ poco a poco

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,029, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.