Piece
Definitions and Meaning in English
- A portion or part of something that has been divided or separated from a whole.
- A work of art, music, literature, or other creative output.
- A specific item or unit, such as a coin or a chess piece.
- A single item in a collection or a series.
- To join or combine parts to create something whole, such as assembling a puzzle or repairs.
History and Origin
The word “piece” comes from the Old French piece (meaning a portion or part), which is derived from the Latin pensum, meaning a weight or part of something. It has been used since the Middle Ages in both literal and figurative senses, referring to portions, works of art, or components that make up a whole.
Detailed Explanation
“Piece” is a versatile word that refers to a part of a whole or a single item in a group. It is often used to describe objects that are part of something larger, like a piece of cake or a piece of paper. In a creative context, it refers to a work of art, music, or literature, such as a piano piece or a poem. It can also denote a functional object, like a chess piece or a piece of furniture. The word is used metaphorically to represent a component in a system or process, such as a missing piece of the puzzle in problem-solving.
Example Sentences
- She handed me a piece of cake at the party.
- The artist’s new piece was displayed at the gallery opening.
- I lost a piece of my necklace while hiking.
- The orchestra played a beautiful piece by Beethoven.
- Can you please pass me a piece of paper to write on?
- He is collecting rare pieces of antique furniture.
- After hours of effort, the last piece of the puzzle was placed.
- Each piece of the story builds up to a dramatic conclusion.
- He repaired the broken chair by replacing the missing piece.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Fragment – A small portion or broken piece of something, typically from a larger whole.
- Portion – A part of a whole, often referring to a share or specific amount.
- Item – A specific thing or object, often part of a list or collection.
- Element – A fundamental part or component of something larger.
- Segment – A portion or division of a whole, especially when clearly separated.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Shard – A sharp, broken piece, often used for fragments of glass or pottery.
- Slice – A thin, flat piece cut from a larger item, such as food.
- Chip – A small piece broken off from a larger object, often used for materials like wood or stone.
- Bit – A small piece or portion of something, often used informally.
- Component – A part of a larger system or machine, often used in technical contexts.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Chunk – A large, often rough piece or portion of something.
- Snip – A small piece cut off, typically in the context of fabric or paper.
- Drop – A small portion or amount of something, like a drop of water.
- Sliver – A small, thin piece of something, usually from a larger whole.
- Scrap – A small, leftover piece, often from something used or discarded.
Antonyms
- Whole
- Complete
- Entirety
- Full
- Unity