sporadic
UK: /spəˈræd.ɪk/ | US: /spəˈræd.ɪk/
adj. occurring occasionally or in scattered instances; irregular
adj. appearing singly or at intervals
sporadic = spor<scattered> + adic<relating to>
- spor (from Greek sporos "scattered, sown")
- adic (from Greek -adikos "relating to," via Latin -adicus)
Etymology Origin:
The word "sporadic" originates from Greek sporadikos, meaning "scattered like seeds." It combines sporos (seed, sowing) with the suffix -adikos, implying distribution or relation. The term evolved in Late Latin as sporadicus before entering English in the 17th century, retaining its original sense of irregular occurrence—akin to seeds sown unevenly across a field.
The region experiences sporadic rainfall during the dry season.
Her visits to the office became increasingly sporadic.
Sporadic protests erupted across the city.
The internet connection was sporadic, making work difficult.
Sporadic cases of the disease were reported nationwide.