B2noun2K

Fragment

UK /["/ˈfræɡmənt/"]/US /["/ˈfræɡmənt/"]/

Definition

a small part of something that has broken off or comes from something larger

In simple words: A small piece or part of something, not complete.

Examples

  • Police found fragments of glass near the scene.
  • The shattered vase lay in fragments on the floor.
  • I overheard a fragment of their conversation.
  • She could recall only fragments of his poetry.

Usage notes

Use 'fragment' to refer to incomplete objects or parts in both formal and informal contexts. Avoid using in very casual conversations where simpler words like 'piece' might suffice.

Grammar pattern

fragment + of + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'frag-ment' like a broken 'frag' in a game that doesn't fit. Imagine finding a piece of a broken vase.

Collocations

  • fragment of evidence
  • fragment of text
  • fragment of memory
  • glass fragment
  • fragment of a conversation

Synonyms

  • piece
  • part
  • section
  • segment
  • shard

Antonyms

  • whole
  • complete
  • entire

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'fragment' with 'fragmented' (which means broken into parts).
  • Using 'fragment' as a verb instead of its noun form.
  • Mispronouncing it as 'frag-ment' instead of 'frag-ment'