What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fragmentary
Example
The archaeologists found only fragmentary evidence of the ancient civilization. [fragmentary: adjective]
Example
The historian's research was based on fragmentary records from the time period. [fragmentary: adjective]
disconnected
Example
The story had many disconnected plot points that didn't seem to fit together. [disconnected: adjective]
Example
The phone call was disconnected before we could finish our conversation. [disconnected: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disconnected is more commonly used than fragmentary in everyday language, as it has a broader range of applications and can be used to describe a variety of situations. Fragmentary is more specialized and is typically used in academic or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fragmentary and disconnected?
Fragmentary is more formal than disconnected, as it is often used in academic or technical writing. Disconnected is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.