Words / B1

FRAGM-uh-nt/ˈfræɡmənt/

A fragment is a small broken piece: a fragment of glass; a fragment of a report. As a verb, to fragment means to break into pieces. Piece is everyday; excerpt is a chosen passage, not a broken bit. Do not call a full chapter a fragment. History papers use fragments of pottery.

Meaning

A small broken piece; as a verb, to break into pieces.

Examples

• “The article was a fragment of a longer inquiry report.”
• “Glass fragments were found on the carriage floor.”

Good to know

a fragment of. Verb: fragment. Everyday: piece. Chosen passage: excerpt. Archaeology: fragments of pottery. Not a whole chapter.

Near in meaning

piece

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