fraction
This term conveys a sense of insufficiency or extreme smallness when used to describe a portion of a whole. It often carries a connotation of insignificance or a stark contrast, such as when a cost is a fraction of the original price, emphasizing how negligible the amount is compared to the total.
Meanings
A numerical quantity that is not a whole number, typically expressed as one integer divided by another.
"The result was three quarters, or a fraction of the total.|"
A small part or amount of something.
"Only a fraction of the students passed the difficult exam.|"
A small piece or fragment of a larger object.
"The geologist examined a tiny fraction of the mineral sample.|"
Examples
The cost is only a fraction of what we originally expected.
The teacher explained how to add a fraction to another fraction.
A small fraction of the party split off to form a new movement.
Collocations & Compounds
tiny fraction
Noun collocation: an extremely small part of a whole
Only a tiny fraction of the population attended the rally.
fraction of a second
Noun collocation: a very brief period of time
The athlete reacted in a fraction of a second.
proper fraction
Noun collocation: a fraction where the numerator is less than the denominator
The students learned how to simplify a proper fraction.
common fraction
Noun collocation: a fraction where the numerator and denominator are integers
A common fraction is often easier to visualize than a decimal.
calculate a fraction
Verb collocation: to determine the numerical value of a part of a whole
The software can quickly calculate a fraction based on the input data.
Idioms & Sayings
a fraction of the cost
a very small part of the total price
We managed to build the shed for a fraction of the cost of a professional installation.
a fraction of a second
an extremely short period of time
The race was decided by a fraction of a second.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin fractio, meaning a breaking, which stems from frangere, to break. The term entered Middle English via Old French, originally referring to the act of breaking something into pieces before evolving into its mathematical and proportional applications.