factious

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "factious" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is likely to cause disagreement, or that causes division within a group. For example, "The factious nature of the crowd caused a heated debate amongst the panelists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

The first question begged by Mr Veltroni's arrival on the national scene, therefore, is whether he will be able to unite the centre-left's factious leadership.

The Economist

His government, elected in 2007, will serve out a full term, a rarity in a fractious and factious place.

The Economist

In November factious tribes in Algeria captured Algiers and other towns, but by 1188 he had pacified his African territories and returned to his Spanish possessions to check the encroachments of the Portuguese and Castilians.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Unable to unite the factious monarchists, he began to govern by decree.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His Indian speeches fell at times into violent emotion and abuse, lacking restraint and proportion, and his parliamentary activities were at times irresponsible or factious.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As the election of 1911 approached, the Prime Minister attempted to reunite his factious party by negotiating a treaty of reciprocity with the United States, but he failed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Gustav was the son of a Swedish senator and of a noble family whose members had played a prominent part in the factious aristocratic politics of 15th-century Scandinavia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Most difficult of all were the Scottish nobles; factious and turbulent after a series of royal minorities, they cared more for private feuds and self-aggrandizement than support of the crown.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There were no formal political parties in the 18th century, and political power, together with the financial opportunities it brought, was a gift of patronage from a handful of landowning family oligarchies and from the monarch himself; nor was there a formal opposition in Parliament, and opposition to the king's ministry was regarded as factious and even traitorous.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Though he joined the earl of Liverpool's Tory cabinet as master general of the ordnance, he exempted himself from automatically opposing a subsequent Whig government: "a factious opposition," he argued, "is highly injurious to the interests of the country".

Encyclopedia Britannica

After the death of Henry V in 1422 the country was subject to the long and factious minority of Henry VI (August 1422 November 1437), during which the English kingdom was managed by the king's council, a predominantly aristocratic body.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a group or organization prone to internal conflict, use "factious" to accurately convey its tendency towards division. For example, "The factious committee struggled to reach a consensus."

Common error

Avoid mistaking "factious", meaning causing division, with "factual", which means based on facts. Using them interchangeably will result in sentences that do not make sense.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "factious" primarily functions to describe something that promotes division or discord within a group or organization. Ludwig AI confirms this use. For example, a "factious" political climate or a "factious" debate indicates internal conflict.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

34%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "factious" is an adjective used to describe something or someone that causes division or discord within a group. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's frequently found in news and encyclopedia sources, indicating a formal to neutral register. When writing, ensure you're not confusing it with "factual", and consider synonyms like "divisive" or "discordant" depending on the desired nuance. Using "factious" effectively conveys the presence of internal conflict within a group or situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fractious

Very close synonym referring to irritability and quarrelsomeness.

divisive

Focuses on the act of causing division or disagreement.

discordant

Highlights the lack of harmony or agreement.

schismatic

Implies a split or division, often within a group or organization.

contentious

Emphasizes the tendency to cause arguments or disputes.

quarrelsome

Describes a person or group prone to arguing.

at odds

Indicates a state of disagreement or conflict.

in disagreement

A general term for not being in accord.

estranged

Focuses on the broken relationships and alienation resulting from disagreement.

antagonistic

Highlights active hostility or opposition.

FAQs

How can I use "factious" in a sentence?

Use "factious" to describe something or someone that promotes internal division or discord within a group. For example, "The "factious debate" split the party in two".

What's the difference between "fractious" and "factious"?

Both words describe conflict, but "factious" means relating to factions or internal discord, while "fractious" describes someone irritable or difficult to control. They are synonyms but used in different contexts.

What can I say instead of "factious"?

You can use alternatives like "divisive", "discordant", or "contentious" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to describe a political climate as "factious"?

Yes, "factious" is often used to describe a political climate or group characterized by internal division and conflicting factions. It effectively conveys the atmosphere of discord and infighting.