used once by Shakespeare ("Life's fitful fever," "Macbeth," 1605) in sense of "characterized by fits," from fit (n.2) + -ful. then Revived in Romantic poetry late 18c. with a sense of "shifting, changing." Related: Fitfully (1792); fitfulness.
权威例句
1. The government is making slow and fitful progress in these negotiations.
政府从这些谈判中正取得缓慢的、间断性的进展。
2. Colin drifted off into a fitful sleep.
科林迷迷糊糊地,时睡时醒。
3. a fitful night's sleep
夜间时睡时醒
4. The whole debate was rather fitful.
整个辩论断断续续地进行.
5. " Our Pearl is a fitful and fantastic little elf sometimes.