Partial

/ˈpɑɹʃəl/ · adjective

Meaning

Existing as a part or portion; incomplete..

Definitions by Sense

1. Existing as a part or portion; incomplete.
2. (computer science) Describing a property that holds only when an algorithm terminates.
3. Biased in favor of a person, side, or point of view, especially when dealing with a competition or dispute.
4. (followed by the preposition to) Having a predilection for something.
5. (mathematics) Of or relating to a partial derivative or partial differential.
6. (botany) Subordinate.
7. (crosswording, of a clue) Having a wordplay element, but no definition.
8. (mathematics) A partial derivative: a derivative with respect to one independent variable of a function in multiple variables while holding the other variables constant.

Example Sentences

So far, I have only pieced together a partial account of the incident.

It's easy to prove partial correctness, but it's not obvious that it is also totally correct.

The referee is blatantly partial!

God is not partial; he does not play favorites.

of

not partial to an ostentatious display

But if a woman is partial to a man, and does not endeavour to conceal it, he must find it out.

Twelve six- letter lights form a group; these have only partial clues.

Synonyms for partial

Antonyms for partial

Related Words

Word Forms

• more partial
• most partial
• partials
• participle (US) partialing
• partialling
• participle (US) partialed
• partialled

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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