Compartmentalize is spelled [ kəmˈpɑːrtməntl-aɪz ] in the IPA phonetic transcription. This word is made up of three syllables: "com", "part" and "mentalize". The stress falls on the second syllable, "part". The word means to divide or divide something into separate parts or categories, often to facilitate organization. So, if you are looking to compartmentalize your work, you should split it up into different sections and allocate time to each section individually.
Compartmentalize is a verb that refers to the act of separating or organizing different aspects or areas of one's life or thoughts into distinct compartments or categories. It involves mentally or physically segregating different parts of one's life or mind in order to maintain a sense of order, control, or clarity.
In a psychological context, compartmentalizing can be a coping mechanism used to deal with conflicting emotions, thoughts, or experiences. By mentally separating these conflicting aspects, individuals can manage and process them independently, reducing the potential for emotional overwhelm or confusion.
In personal or professional settings, compartmentalization can be employed to establish boundaries and maintain focus. For instance, someone may compartmentalize their work and personal lives to prevent work-related stress from encroaching upon their personal relationships or leisure time. Likewise, professionals or experts often compartmentalize their knowledge into different domains or specialties to enhance their expertise in specific areas.
Compartmentalizing can also involve physically separating objects or spaces. For example, someone might compartmentalize their belongings by storing them in different designated areas or containers, such as using different drawers or organizers for different categories of items.
Overall, compartmentalization involves the act of organizing, separating, or dividing different parts or aspects of life or thought to enhance efficiency, clarity, and emotional well-being.
The word compartmentalize originated from the noun compartment, which came into English in the early 17th century. Compartment originated from the French word compartiment, which was derived from the Latin word compartiri, meaning to divide. The word compartiri is a combination of the Latin prefix com- (meaning together or with) and partiri (meaning to divide or to share). Over time, the noun compartment evolved to form the verb compartmentalize in the late 19th century, meaning to divide or separate into distinct compartments or categories.