partial
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈpɑːrʃəl/
KK: /ˈpɑrʧəl/
adjective
Definition
Not complete; only a part of something, or favoring one side over others.
Example
The committee made a partial decision that favored one candidate.
Comparatives & Superlatives
Comparative: more partial
Superlative: most partial
Conversation
Are you partial to any particular type of ice cream?
Definitely! I love chocolate fudge the most.
I think I'm more partial to fruity flavors like strawberry.
Fruity flavors are great too, especially in summer!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
biased
incomplete
favoring
Antonyms
impartial
complete
total
noun
Definition
A part or portion of something, not the whole.
Example
The report provided only a partial view of the situation.
Conversation
Have you ever heard of a partial in calculus?
Yeah, it's a type of derivative, right?
Exactly! I find them pretty interesting but also challenging.
Root Explanation
Partial → It is formed from "part" (from Latin "partem", meaning a piece or portion) and "-ial" (meaning relating to). The word "partial" means relating to a part or a portion rather than the whole.
Memory Tip
Think of something that relates to a 'part' — 'partial' means it's not the whole thing, just a piece of it.
Visually Confused Words
parial
unpartial
impartial
spatial
patrial
parotia
martial
artal