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fitful — occurring irregularly or intermittently; not continuous

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: occurring irregularly or intermittently; not continuous

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈfɪtfəl/

Example Sentences

  • The baby's fitful crying kept the whole neighborhood awake.
  • His fitful attempts at learning guitar resulted in frustrated neighbors.
  • The old car made fitful progress up the steep hill.

fitful

ADJECTIVE

[/ˈfɪtfəl/]

occurring irregularly or intermittently; not continuous

He had a fitful night, tossing and turning until sunrise.
💡 Concept

He had a fitful night, tossing and turning until sunrise.

Fitful weather turns a spiteful cat delightful!
🎵 Rhyme

Fitful weather turns a spiteful cat delightful!

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈfɪtfəl/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈfɪtfʊl/

🌳Etymology

Rootfit
Suffix--ful

Origin

From the Middle English word 'fit' (meaning a sudden attack or seizure, from Old Norse 'fit' meaning a section or division) combined with the suffix '-ful' (meaning full of or characterized by). The word evolved to describe irregular or spasmodic occurrences.

Breakdown

fit (sudden attack or paroxysm) + -ful (full of, characterized by) = fitful (occurring in sudden bursts or irregularly)

🎵Rhyme

spiteful
delightful

🔗Collocations

fitful sleep
fitful breathing
fitful progress
fitful winds
fitful dreams

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“The baby's fitful crying kept the whole neighborhood awake.”

😄 Fun example

“His fitful attempts at learning guitar resulted in frustrated neighbors.”

“The old car made fitful progress up the steep hill.”

“She made fitful conversation, constantly checking her phone.”

📚Related Words

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