Partial

Definition

Partial refers to something that is incomplete or not whole, or to showing favoritism or being biased towards something.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈpɑrʃəl/
• Respelling: PAR-shuhl (with "PAR" as in "park," "shuh" as in "push," and "uhl" as in "pull")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈpɑːʃəl/
• Respelling: PAH-shuhl (with "PAH" as in "park," "shuh" as in "push," and "uhl" as in "pull")

In both dialects, "partial" places the primary stress on the first syllable. The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of the "PAR" or "PAH" part followed by "shuh" and "uhl."

Etymology

Derived from the Middle French "partiel", from the Latin "partialis", which is from "pars" meaning "part". The term originally denoted the sense of ‘divisible’, later coming to mean ‘incomplete’ and describing something as being a constituent part of a larger whole.

Derivatives

• Partiality
• Partially
• Partialize
• Partihood
• Partible

Synonyms

• Incomplete
• Biased
• Fragmentary

Antonyms

• Whole
• Unbiased
• Complete

Usage

The term "partial" is often used to describe something that is not complete or something that does not cover the entirety of a thing or situation. It can also be used to indicate a preference or bias towards something.

Related Terms

• Part
• Segment
• Section
• Bias
• Preference

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Not complete or whole; incomplete.
• Example: "We only received a partial shipment of the order."

• Biased or prejudiced in favor of a person, group, side, etc.
• Example: "She's partial to jazz music."

• Pertaining to only a part; affecting or concerning a part rather than the whole.
• Example: "A partial solution to the problem."

Noun

• A particular liking or fondness for something or someone.
• Example: "He has a partial for sweet foods."