What does "fragment" mean?
A part broken off; a small, detached portion; an imperfect part, either physically or not
Fragment
/ˈfɹæɡmənt/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A part broken off; a small, detached portion; an imperfect part, either physically or not
- Grammar: fragment is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: fragmentize, shard, a bit, abrade.
- Useful contrasts: agglomerated, biotic network, clear blend.
- Usage evidence: An idea is an immaterial model of a real or a supposed element of reality. An idea is a fragment of our thoughts. When we think something, that single thought is an idea. Ideas are the atoms of the thoughts, and thoughts are a combination of ideas.
How to use "fragment"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "fragment" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "fragment" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "fragment" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "fragment" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "fragment" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "fragmentize" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "fragment", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A part broken off; a small, detached portion; an imperfect part, either physically or not
"a fragment of an ancient writing"
- 2 a broken piece of a brittle artifact wordnet
- 3 A sentence not containing a subject or a predicate; a sentence fragment.
- 4 an incomplete piece wordnet
- 5 An incomplete portion of code.
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 a piece broken off or cut off of something else wordnet
- 7 A portion of a URL referring to a subordinate resource or anchor (such as a specific point on a web page), introduced by the # sign. Internet
"The URL www.example.com/home#recent ends with a fragment."
- 8 A split piece of an organism that has undergone the asexual reproduction process where the organism splits into one or more pieces, then those pieces become new individuals.
Verb
- 1 To break apart. intransitive
"Once the centralized power of Rome fragmented, economic, social and political power simplified and relocalized."
- 2 break or cause to break into pieces wordnet
- 3 To cause to be broken into pieces. transitive
"Samois includes celebate ^([sic]), heterosexual and bisexual women as well as lesbians, and I feel very strongly that this is the wisest choice. Our community is so fragile that we can't afford to fragment it by excommunicating non-lesbian women."
- 4 To break up and disperse (a file) into non-contiguous areas of a disk. transitive
- 5 Of an organism: to undergo the asexual reproduction process where an organism spilts into one or more pieces, then those pieces become new individuals. intransitive
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"An idea is an immaterial model of a real or a supposed element of reality. An idea is a fragment of our thoughts. When we think something, that single thought is an idea. Ideas are the atoms of the thoughts, and thoughts are a combination of ideas."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "fragment"?
Common synonyms include: fragmentize, shard, a bit, abrade, abridge, ace.
How do you use "fragment" in a sentence?
An idea is an immaterial model of a real or a supposed element of reality. An idea is a fragment of our thoughts. When we think something, that single thought is an idea. Ideas are the atoms of the thoughts, and thoughts are a combination of ideas.
How do you pronounce "fragment"?
Pronounced /ˈfɹæɡmənt/.
Etymology
From Late Middle English fragment, from Latin fragmentum (“a fragment, remnant”), from frangō (“to break”) + -mentum.