The correct spelling of "this fragment" is /ðɪs ˈfræɡmənt/. The first sound is the voiced dental fricative /ð/, followed by the short vowel sound /ɪ/ and the voiceless dental fricative /s/. The stress falls on the first syllable, indicated by the apostrophe before the /s/. The second word, "fragment," starts with the voiced labiodental fricative /f/ and ends with the voiceless alveolar stop /t/. Proper spelling ensures effective communication in written form.
"This fragment" refers to a small and incomplete part or piece of something larger. It signifies a segment that has been separated or broken off from a whole, resulting in a portion that lacks complete form or context. The term "this fragment" can be used in various contexts, including literature, science, art, and linguistics.
In literature, a fragment may refer to an unfinished piece of writing or an incomplete passage from a larger work. It may indicate a portion that has intentionally been left open-ended or a part that has been separated from its original context, leaving readers with a sense of curiosity or incompleteness.
In science, a fragment can refer to a broken or shattered piece of an object or substance. For example, in geology, it may denote a smaller section of a rock that has broken off from a larger formation.
In art, a fragment can represent a fragmentary or partial representation of a whole object or scene. Artists may intentionally create fragmented or broken images to convey a sense of abstraction, distortion, or the passage of time.
In linguistics, a fragment signifies an incomplete sentence or phrase that lacks a subject, verb, or proper structure. It is often used in informal speech or writing and may serve as a stylistic choice to emphasize a particular point or create a specific effect.
Overall, "this fragment" refers to a small and incomplete part or piece that has been separated or broken from a larger whole, emphasizing its lack of complete form or context in various fields and disciplines.
The phrase "this fragment" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two English words. However, we can examine the etymology of each individual word:
- "This": The word "this" originated from the Old English word "þis" which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "this" or "thisa". It has been in use since the 9th century and is related to the Old Saxon "thi" and Old Frisian "this", meaning "this" or "this one".
- "Fragment": The word "fragment" comes from the Latin word "fragmentum", which means a broken piece or fragment. It is derived from the verb "frangere", meaning "to break". The word entered English in the late 16th century.
When combined, "this fragment" simply refers to a specific broken or incomplete piece or part.