Splintered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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splintered

[ˈsplɪntərd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

broken into small pieces

Splintered means broken into small sharp pieces or fragments. It can also refer to something that has been divided or split into smaller parts.

Synonyms

broken, fractured, fragmented, shattered.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
splintered	Use when describing something that has broken into long, thin pieces, often wood. The old wooden door splintered when it was kicked open. She stepped on the splintered plank and hurt her foot.
shattered	Describes something that has been completely destroyed into many small pieces, often glass or something fragile. Can also be used metaphorically. The window shattered into a thousand pieces. Her dreams were shattered when she didn't get the job.
fragmented	Describes something that has been broken into smaller pieces, often used for abstract things like thoughts or plans. His fragmented memories made it hard to understand what happened. The once unified company has become fragmented after the takeover.
fractured	Typically used in medical contexts to describe a bone that has cracked or broken. The X-ray showed that he had a fractured rib. She suffered a fractured ankle from the fall.
broken	General term for something that is no longer intact or working, can be used in a variety of contexts. The broken vase lay in pieces on the floor. He has a broken arm and needs to wear a cast.

Examples of usage

The splintered glass scattered across the floor.
The splintered wood of the old barn needed repair.
The team's unity splintered after the disagreement.
The country was splintered into several smaller states.
Her heart felt splintered after the breakup.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

to break or split into small pieces

Splintered can also be used as a verb to describe the action of breaking or splitting something into small pieces or fragments.

Synonyms

break, fragment, shatter, split.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
splintered	Use 'splintered' when talking about something breaking into many small, sharp pieces, often used for wood or similar materials. The wooden chair splintered when it fell Be careful with the broken toy, it's splintered
shatter	Use 'shatter' when talking about something breaking into many small pieces, often with force and noise. Usually refers to glass or delicate objects. The mirror shattered when it hit the floor The car's windshield shattered in the accident
fragment	Use 'fragment' when talking about something breaking into smaller parts, often into irregular, sharp pieces. The old statue fragmented over time The glass window fragmented during the storm
break	Use 'break' when talking about something separating into pieces from a single point, often in a general context. He accidentally broke the vase The glass broke into several pieces
split	Use 'split' when talking about something separating along a line or into roughly equal parts. It often refers to long objects like logs or groups splitting into smaller groups. We split the cake into eight pieces The log split in two when struck by the axe

Examples of usage

The hammer splintered the wooden plank.
The impact of the crash splintered the glass windshield.
He splintered the rock into smaller pieces.
The tree branch splintered under the weight of the snow.
The political party splintered into different factions.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

In psychology, a 'splintered self' can refer to fragmented identities or parts of a person’s personality that have split off due to trauma.
Therapists may work with individuals to integrate 'splintered' aspects of self to promote healing and wholeness.
Understanding splintered thoughts or feelings is crucial in overcoming anxiety or PTSD.

Literature

In literature, splintered narratives often refer to stories that are told in disjointed or fractured timelines, adding complexity to the plot.
Authors like Virginia Woolf and James Joyce have used splintering techniques to reflect characters' internal struggles and consciousness.
The metaphor of 'splintered' perspectives is common in postmodern literature to showcase fragmented realities.

Science

In ecological terms, a splintered habitat refers to a natural area that has been broken up into smaller, isolated patches, affecting wildlife survival.
Material science studies splintering in terms of how materials fail, examining stress and fracture patterns in substances like glass.
Splintering is also observed in the formation of meteoroids, where larger comets break apart into smaller fragments.

Pop Culture

'Splintered' is a common theme in movies, often symbolizing broken families, lost connections, or societal issues; think of films with fractured storylines.
Popular songs might describe splintered relationships, conveying emotions of heartbreak and disunity through powerful lyrics.
Video games sometimes use splintered worlds as an aesthetic, showcasing environments shattered by conflict or catastrophe.

Origin of 'splintered'

Main points about word origin

The term 'splinter' comes from the Old English word 'splinter' which meant 'a sharp fragment'.
It roots back further to the Proto-Germanic 'splintwaz', which relates to pieces or fragments in West German dialects.
The modern usage evolved to describe both physical and metaphorical breakages, such as 'splintered relationships'.

The word 'splintered' originated from the Middle English word 'splentren', which means to split or cleave. Over time, the word evolved to its current form in modern English. The concept of splintering has been present in various languages and cultures, often associated with the idea of breaking or dividing into smaller pieces. Splintered objects can be sharp and dangerous, leading to the usage of the word in contexts related to fragmentation and division.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,315, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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22312 rehearsing
22313 encrusted
22314 scrubber
22315 splintered
22316 vulture
22317 falsehoods
22318 composting
...