The word "fragmentary" is typically spelled with a silent "e" at the end, making it a nine-letter word. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /fɹæɡˈmɛntəɹi/. The "f" sound at the beginning is followed by "r" and "a" which represent a short "a" sound. The "g" is pronounced as a "j" sound. The stress falls on the second syllable, which has a short "e" sound. The "n" is followed by "t" which represents a "t" sound, and the final "ary" has a long "i" sound. Thus, the word is pronounced frag-MEN-tuh-ree.
Fragmentary is an adjective that refers to something that is incomplete or made up of fragments. It describes objects, information, or ideas that lack unity or coherence due to being broken into parts. When used in relation to physical objects, such as a fragmented glass bottle or a fragmentary manuscript, it suggests that they are in a state of being broken or damaged, rendering them incomplete or only present in pieces.
In the context of information or knowledge, fragmentary indicates that the available information is insufficient or disparate, preventing a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. This could be due to missing pieces of data, disjointed sources, or an incomplete record. For example, a historian may have to rely on fragmentary documents to reconstruct the events of a certain time period.
Fragmentary can also describe something that is discontinuous or characterized by interruptions. This could relate to speech, where a person's thoughts or sentences may be fragmented, lacking a logical flow. Similarly, fragmentary can describe a narrative structure in a piece of writing or a film, which intentionally presents events in a non-linear or disjointed manner.
Overall, the term fragmentary implies a lack of wholeness, coherence, or continuity, whether it refers to physical objects, information, or expressions.
Composed of fragments.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "fragmentary" originates from the Latin word "fragmentum", which means "a piece broken off" or "a fragment". The Latin term is derived from the verb "frangere", which means "to break". Over time, in English, the suffix "-ary" was added to form "fragmentary". Therefore, the etymology of "fragmentary" essentially refers to something that is characterized by or related to fragments or broken pieces.