Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈfræɡmənˌtɛri/

Definitions

• 1. Composed of fragments or parts rather than a whole.
• 2. Incomplete; partial.
• 3. Having a broken or incomplete nature, often used in reference to works or information.

Usage Examples

• "The fragmentary evidence was not enough to convict the suspect."
• "She had only a fragmentary recollection of the event."
• "The manuscript is fragmentary and unfinished, offering little insight into the author's original intent."

Etymology

The word "fragmentary" comes from the Latin "fragmentum," meaning "a broken piece" or "part," combined with the suffix "-ary," indicating a characteristic or relating to. First recorded in the 18th century, the term has been used to describe incomplete or broken pieces of something.

Synonyms

• Partial
• Incomplete
• Disjointed
• Scattered
• Unfinished

Antonyms

• Whole
• Complete
• Intact
• Unified
• Unbroken

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "fragmentary" may slightly differ depending on accent and region. Some dialects might stress the first syllable more heavily, while others may give it equal emphasis. In more formal speech, the pronunciation tends to follow the dictionary's phonetic guide, but regional variations often soften the "t" sound.

Historical Usage

The term "fragmentary" has been in use since the 18th century, initially used in reference to broken or incomplete objects, especially in scientific contexts. Over time, it has come to describe incomplete works of art, literature, and history. The notion of something "fragmentary" often carries connotations of mystery or partial understanding, which invites further exploration.

Cultural Nuances

In literary and artistic contexts, "fragmentary" works often carry a sense of the unfinished, the unfulfilled, or the lost. The notion of fragmentation is sometimes celebrated in modern art and postmodern literature as a means of exploring non-linear narratives, the complexity of memory, or the absence of closure.

More Information

The term "fragmentary" is often used in scientific fields such as archaeology, geology, and paleontology to describe materials or evidence that is incomplete or broken. In cultural and artistic contexts, the term is used to describe works that are either literally incomplete or those that leave room for interpretation, often forcing the viewer or reader to engage more deeply with the material. Fragmentary works are frequently associated with a sense of historical significance, as they may represent a piece of a larger whole that has been lost to time.