Word: partial (adjective)

Associations

The word "partial" means not complete or only a part of something. It can also mean liking or favoring something or someone more than others (showing bias).

• In math, a "partial" sum means adding only some numbers, not all.
• When someone is "partial to chocolate," it means they like chocolate more than other sweets.
• A "partial solution" means a solution that solves only part of a problem.

Synonym: "incomplete" is similar to "partial" when talking about something not whole. But "partial" can also mean biased, which "incomplete" does not.

Substitution

• Instead of "partial," you can say "incomplete" when talking about something unfinished.
• Use "biased" or "favoring" when talking about liking someone or something more.
• Use "fractional" when talking about a small part of a whole in technical contexts.

Deconstruction

"Partial" comes from Latin "partialis," from "pars" meaning "part." It means relating to a part, not the whole. The suffix "-ial" means "related to."

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time you had a partial success, not a full one?
• Are there things you are partial to, like favorite foods or hobbies?
• How would you explain the difference between a partial and a full answer?