The spelling of the word "fractured" can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable of the word is pronounced as "fræk" with a short "a" sound, followed by the consonant cluster "kt" pronounced as a single sound. The second syllable starts with a long "u" sound as in "you", followed by the consonant cluster "r" and the short "ed" sound at the end. The spelling of this word represents the phonetic sounds it comprises, making it easy to understand even for non-native speakers.
Fractured, in its literal sense, refers to something that has been broken or cracked, particularly in relation to objects made of solid materials like bones, rocks, or structures. It implies a state of physical damage resulting in a break or separation, often leading to a loss of integrity or functionality. Fractured objects may exhibit visible fissures or cracks, indicating a disruption in their original form or structure.
Figuratively, the term fractured is also used to describe something that is characterized by division, disunity, or conflict. In this context, it refers to a state of social, political, or ideological fragmentation, where unity or coherence has been disrupted. A fractured society or community is one that experiences a lack of harmony, cooperation, or consensus among its members. It may manifest in various forms such as deep-seated political divides, social polarization, conflicting interests, or a breakdown in communication.
In the context of storytelling or narratives, fractured can describe a narrative technique that involves presenting events, perspectives, or timelines in a non-linear or disrupted manner. This technique creates an element of suspense, intrigue, or complexity by challenging the conventional chronological order of storytelling.
Ultimately, whether used in a literal or figurative sense, the term fractured conveys the idea of separation, division, or disruption, albeit in different contexts.
Broken; cracked.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "fractured" originates from the Latin word "fractus", which is the past participle of "frangere", meaning "to break". The term "frangere" is also the root behind other related words in English, such as "fracture", "fragment", and "infraction". Ultimately, the etymology of "fractured" can be traced back to this Latin root, depicting the concept of brokenness or fragmentation.