Factional Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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factional

[ˈfækʃənl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

politics

Relating to or characteristic of political factions. Divided into factions.

Synonyms

disunited, divided, split.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
factional	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.
divided	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.
split	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.
disunited	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.

Examples of usage

The party became increasingly factional as different groups within it pushed for their own agendas.
She found it difficult to navigate the factional politics of the organization.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

literature

Relating to or characteristic of factions within a larger group or organization, especially in fiction.

Synonyms

cliquish, partisan, sectarian.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
factional	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.
partisan	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.
sectarian	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.
cliquish	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.

Examples of usage

The novel explored the factional dynamics within the secret society.
The play depicted the factional struggles of the royal court.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'factional'

The word 'factional' originates from the noun 'faction', which came into English in the mid-16th century from the Latin 'factio' meaning 'a doing, a company, a class'. The suffix '-al' was added to create the adjective form. Over time, 'factional' has come to be commonly used in the contexts of politics, literature, and social dynamics to describe situations involving opposing groups within a larger entity.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,660, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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22657 feral
22658 fatherly
22659 sanctify
22660 factional
22661 lowed
22662 garnished
22663 noiseless
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