Definition

Adverb: * In a manner that is disconnected, incoherent, or lacking a logical sequence. It describes speech, thought, or action that is not smooth or continuous.

Usage

The adverb "disjointedly" is used to modify verbs, typically those related to communication (speaking, explaining, narrating) or thinking. It emphasizes that the action is performed in a fragmented, halting, or confused way.

Examples

• She answered the detective's questions disjointedly, her thoughts clearly elsewhere.
• After the shock, he could only speak disjointedly about what he had witnessed.
• The report was written so disjointedly that it was difficult to follow its main argument.

Advanced Usage

• "to come out disjointedly": Used to describe information that is revealed or expressed in a fragmented, hesitant manner.
  • The full story of the accident came out disjointedly over several days.

Variants and Related Words

• Disjointed (adjective): Lacking coherence or connection; disconnected.
  • He gave a disjointed account of the events.
• Disjoint (verb): To separate or disconnect at the joints; to take apart. (Note: This is a less common and more literal verb form).
  • To disjoint a chicken before cooking.

Synonyms

• Incoherently
• Inarticulately
• Haltingly
• Ramblingly
• Unconnectedly

Antonyms

• Coherently
• Fluently
• Eloquently
• Smoothly
• Logically

Related Phrases

• In fits and starts: In irregular bursts of activity, similar to how something might be done disjointedly.
  • The project progressed in fits and starts.

Adverb

1. in a disjointed manner
   • `We're not married, not really married,' she said, and slowly, reluctantly, disjointedly it came out