The phrase "comes apart" is spelled with /kʌmz əˈpɑːrt/. The word "comes" is pronounced with the short U sound in the first syllable, followed by the Z sound, and then the schwa sound in the second syllable. "Apart" is pronounced with the short A sound in the first syllable, followed by the P sound and then the long A sound in the second syllable, and finally the T sound in the third syllable. Together, they create a phrase that means to fall apart or disintegrate.
"Comes apart" is a phrasal verb that describes the act of disassembling, separating, or breaking into different pieces or parts. It refers to the literal or metaphorical disintegration or separation of something that was previously intact or unified. This phrase can be used in various contexts, both physical and metaphorical.
In a physical sense, "comes apart" refers to the physical breaking or disassembling of an object such as furniture, machinery, or tools. For example, when a chair "comes apart," it means that its different components, like its backrest, legs, or seat, detach from each other, resulting in a dismantled or broken state.
Metaphorically, "comes apart" can describe the collapse or disintegration of a system, relationship, or organization. For instance, when a marriage "comes apart," it signifies the breakdown or dissolution of the union, leading to separation or divorce. In a similar vein, when a plan, strategy, or project "comes apart," it suggests that it has failed or fallen apart due to various reasons such as unforeseen circumstances, poor execution, or lack of coordination.
Overall, "comes apart" signifies the act of disassembling or breaking apart, both literally and metaphorically, depicting the disintegration, separation, or failure of a previously unified entity or system.
The phrase "comes apart" does not have a specific etymology since it is composed of two commonly used English words. However, we can analyze the etymology of each word individually:
1. Comes: The word "comes" comes from the Latin word "comes", which means "companion" or "attendant". In ancient Rome, a "comes" referred to a companion of an important person, such as an emperor or general. Over time, "comes" evolved in English to mean someone who accompanies or follows another person.
2. Apart: The word "apart" originates from the Old English word "onweard", which means "in pieces" or "into separate parts". It can also be traced back to the Latin word "apartus", meaning "separated" or "segregated". In English, "apart" refers to something being physically separated or distinct from something else.