Definition

Adverb 1. In an irregular, intermittent, or spasmodic way: Describes an action that occurs or is done in starts and stops, with periods of activity or occurrence separated by pauses or breaks. It often implies a lack of steady, continuous flow or pattern. 2. Characterized by fits or periods of activity followed by inactivity: Suggests a restless, uneven, or unsettled quality.

Usage

The adverb "fitfully" is used to modify verbs, describing how an action is performed. It is most commonly applied to actions like sleeping, working, remembering, or progressing, which are not smooth or consistent.

Examples

• The baby slept fitfully, waking up every hour.
• The old engine ran fitfully before finally stalling.
• He worked fitfully on the novel, sometimes writing for days and then not touching it for months.
• Memories of the event returned to her fitfully over the years.
• The peace talks proceeded fitfully, with frequent delays and walkouts.

Advanced Usage

• "Fitfully" can describe not just physical actions but also abstract processes like attention, economic growth, or political change, emphasizing their unstable or halting nature.
  • The economy recovered fitfully after the crisis.
  • His attention drifted fitfully during the long lecture.

Variants and Related Words

• Fitful (adjective): The base form. Describes something characterized by irregular bursts.
  • a fitful sleep, fitful progress
• Fits and starts (idiomatic noun phrase): A common idiom with a very similar meaning to "fitfully."
  • The project moved forward in fits and starts.

Synonyms

• Intermittently
• Spasmodically
• Erratically
• Unevenly
• Irregularly

Antonyms

• Steadily
• Constantly
• Continuously
• Regularly
• Evenly

Related Idioms

• In/by fits and starts: This is the most direct idiomatic equivalent. It means with irregular bursts of activity.
  • The work proceeded in fits and starts.

Adverb

1. in a fitful manner
   • he slept fitfully