What does segmentally mean?
Segmentally means in separate parts or according to distinct segments. Its most characteristic use is in linguistics, where it describes an approach that analyzes speech, writing, or grammar as a series of identifiable units, such as phonemes, morphemes, or syllables. For example, a language may be described as having segmentally defined sounds when each sound occupies a distinct place within a word. In broader contexts, the adverb can indicate that something is divided into sections and handled part by part. The term is formal and technical, so ordinary expressions such as “in parts” or “piece by piece” are usually more natural in everyday speech. Although not common enough for frequent use, segmentally captures the idea of division into meaningful components with precision.
adverbIn a segmental manner; by means of distinct segments or constituent parts. In linguistics, it describes analysis or organization according to separately identifiable phonetic, grammatical, or semantic units.
- In linguistics, relating to the analysis or organization of language through discrete segments such as phonemes, morphemes, or syllables.
- In general use, occurring or being done in separate sections or parts.
"The word is pronounced segmentally, with each consonant and vowel represented as a separate sound."
"The sounds are analyzed segmentally rather than as continuous acoustic stretches."
"The design can be adapted segmentally, allowing each section to be revised independently."
Segmentally is the linguist's word for treating speech as a sequence of separately identifiable building blocks.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does segmentally come from?
The word is built from “segment,” which comes through Old French from the Latin segmentum, a cutting or section. The related adjective “segmental” was formed with the suffix “-al,” and “segmentally” adds the adverbial suffix “-ly.” Its linguistic sense reflects the long-standing practice of describing languages and speech through separately identifiable segments.
Related word forms
How segmentally is actually used
The word is chiefly formal and technical, especially common in linguistics and related fields; outside specialist writing it may sound unnecessarily elaborate.
Easily confused with segmentally
Segmental is the adjective describing something formed by or relating to segments, whereas segmentally is the adverb describing how an action or analysis is carried out.