Fraction is a noun meaning a numerical quantity less than a whole, or a part of a whole expressed as a ratio. It also refers to a division or segment, a small part or portion of something. In mathematics, it denotes a quotient of integers, typically written with a numerator over a denominator.
"The fraction 3/4 represents three parts of four equal parts."
"She learned to compare fractions by finding a common denominator."
"Only a small fraction of the budget was allocated to research."
"In poetry, a fraction of a second can change the outcome of the shot."
Fraction comes from the Latin fractio, from the verb frangere, meaning to break. In Latin, fractus meant broken, split, or divided, and the term frac̄tiō was used in arithmetic to denote a broken or divided part of a whole. The concept entered English through Medieval Latin and Old French, evolving in parallel with other mathematical vocabulary during the 14th–15th centuries as scholars and merchants sought precise ways to represent parts of a whole. The spelling aligns with other English words derived from Latin fract- roots, like fracture and fractal, reflecting the persistent idea of breaking or dividing. Over time, fraction broadened from a purely numerical divisor to include notions of proportions, parts of a set, and ratios, establishing its essential mathematical and everyday usage in modern English. First known uses in English appear in scholastic texts where fractions were used to describe divisions of integer quantities, and by the early modern period, fractions were standard in arithmetic instruction and scientific discourse. Today, fractions are foundational in mathematics education, science, statistics, cooking, and finance, with notations such as 1/2, 3/4, and mixed numbers like 2 1/3 widely understood across English-speaking communities.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Fraction" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Fraction" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Fraction" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "Fraction"
-ion sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
Fraction is pronounced FRAC-shən with primary stress on the first syllable. IPA: US/UK/AU: /ˈfræk.ʃən/. The first vowel is a short /æ/ as in cat, then /k/ followed by a schwa in the unstressed second syllable. Keep the /t/ very light or unreleased in casual speech; in careful speech it’s a crisp /t/ before the /ʃ/ sequence. Audio guidance: listen for /ˈfræk/ then /ʃən/ as a quick, syllabic second part.
Common errors include pronouncing the second syllable as /ˈfraɪˌʃən/ (tying /ɪ/ to the second syllable) or misarticulating the /k/ as an audible /k/ after a strong /æ/ vowel. Another frequent issue is a weak /t/ or dropping it, producing /ˈfræk.ʃən/ with a soft t. To correct: keep /æ/ short and clear, release /k/ before /ʃ/ smoothly, and either release the /t/ crisply or omit it in fast speech, maintaining /ʃən/ as a light, unstressed nucleus.
In US, UK, and AU, the word is generally /ˈfræk.ʃən/. Rhoticity affects the ending only when followed by a vowel; otherwise, the final /ən/ remains similar. UK English tends to have a slightly more fronted /æ/ and a crisper /t/ handling, while US tends to a more American /æ/ with a lighter, sometimes flapped /t/ in rapid speech before vowels. Australian pronunciation is similar to US but with a more centralized vowel quality in the second syllable and a softer /t/ in casual speech. Overall, the primary syllable stress and consonant sequence /fræ k ʃ/ stay constant.
The difficulty lies in the cluster /k ʃ/ sequence that follows /æ/ and the unstressed second syllable with a reduced vowel. The transition from the stop /k/ to the palatal fricative /ʃ/ requires precise tongue positioning: back of the tongue for /k/, blade of tongue toward the palate for /ʃ/. Also, the /t/ often flaps or reduces in connected speech, which can blur syllable boundaries. Focusing on cleanly articulating /æ/ then moving quickly to /k/ and /ʃ/ helps avoid slurring.
A unique challenge is maintaining crisp separation between /k/ and /ʃ/ when the vowel is reduced in fast speech. You’ll hear many speakers merge /k/ and /ʃ/ or merge the /t/ into the next sound. Practice by isolating the sequence /kʃ/ slowly, then insert a short vowel before /ʃ/ (e.g., kə-ʃən) to reestablish clear articulation before returning to normal speed.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "Fraction"!
No related words found
