fragment
Break into separate pieces or divide into disconnected parts
Examples
In a meeting
“Our efforts are fragmenting across too many initiatives.”
Over coffee
“The conversation fragmented when everyone started their own debates.”
Why this word
piece
fragment emphasizes something broken off from a whole and incomplete, while piece is neutral about whether it's broken or intended
part
fragment implies an incomplete broken portion, while part can be a functional component of a whole
bit
fragment suggests a small broken-off piece with jagged incompleteness, while bit is informal and doesn't convey the fractured nature
Usage tip
Use to describe when unity or cohesion is being lost, especially in teams or plans
Etymology
Latin 'fragmentum' from 'frangere' (to break)
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Related words
aggregate
To collect or combine separate items into a single total or group.
delineate
To describe or outline something precisely and clearly.
categorize
Place things into groups based on shared characteristics
compartmentalize
Separate things into distinct sections or categories
unify
To bring together into a single whole or system
partition
To divide into separate sections or parts