By snatches is a phrase that means "in fragments" or "bit by bit." The spelling of the word "snatches" is represented by the IPA phonetic transcription /snætʃɪz/. The "s" sound at the beginning of the word is followed by a nasal "n" sound, represented by the symbol /n/. The "a" sound is pronounced as /æ/, followed by the "tʃ" sound represented by /tʃ/. The word ends with a soft "iz" sound, represented by /ɪz/. When pronounced correctly, the phrase by snatches will sound like /baɪ snætʃɪz/.
The term "by snatches" refers to doing something intermittently or in brief intervals, often characterized by sudden or sporadic bursts of activity. This phrase suggests that the action or process is not continuous, but rather occurs in fragments or pieces.
When someone does something "by snatches," they may engage in it for a limited time before stopping, only to resume later. This indicates a lack of consistency or regularity in the performance of the activity. It implies that the individual engages in the action, but not in a sustained manner, perhaps due to distractions, interruptions, or external factors.
The term "by snatches" can apply to various situations. For instance, studying or reading by snatches implies studying in short bursts or reading briefly before getting distracted or being unable to continue. Similarly, someone may compose a musical piece by snatches, sporadically working on it in parts rather than in a continuous, uninterrupted process.
Overall, when an action or process is described as being done "by snatches," it suggests an erratic, non-linear, or fragmented nature. It denotes doing something in brief installments rather than consistently or in a sustained manner. This phrase captures the idea of interrupted or sporadic engagement, highlighting a lack of continuity or smooth progression.
The phrase "by snatches" is derived from the Middle English word "snacchen", which means "to grasp or seize". It later evolved into "snatch", referring to quickly or abruptly taking hold of something. The preposition "by" indicates the method or means by which something is done. "By snatches" implies doing something intermittently or in short, irregular intervals, as if snatching brief moments or periods of time.