Factional: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe a situation where there are small, organized dissenting groups within a larger organization or community, often leading to internal conflicts.

• The political party became factional, with different groups vying for control.
• Factional disagreements within the board hindered the decision-making process.

Used generally to describe any group, community, or opinion that is split into opposing or differing parts. It is a broader term and can be used in many contexts.

• The issue of climate change has divided public opinion.
• The family was divided on where to spend the holidays.

Used to describe something that has been physically or metaphorically separated into distinct parts. Can have a neutral or negative connotation depending on context.

• The company split into two separate entities after the merger failed.
• They decided to split the bill evenly among all the participants.

Used when a group of people who were previously united are not working together harmoniously anymore. Often implies a lack of common direction or purpose.

• The team became disunited after the layoffs, with morale hitting an all-time low.
• The country remained disunited after the civil war, with ongoing tensions among its citizens.

Again, denotes divisions within a larger group, typically emphasizing political or ideological divides.

• Factional rivalry caused delays in passing the new legislation.
• The board was paralyzed by factional disagreements.

Applied when referring to strong, often blind support for a particular party or cause, sometimes with a negative implication of bias.

• The news channel's partisan coverage sparked controversy.
• Partisan loyalty can sometimes cloud good judgment.

Utilized in discussions about religious or cultural groups, often highlighting deep-rooted divisions or conflicts. It carries a negative connotation.

• The region has a long history of sectarian violence.
• Efforts to resolve the sectarian conflicts have been unsuccessful so far.

Best used to describe small exclusive groups, often with a sense of elitism or social exclusivity. It usually has a negative connotation.

• The cliquish nature of the new office made it hard for outsiders to fit in.
• Her cliquish behavior isolated her from the rest of the team.