fissiparous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fissiparous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe organisms that reproduce by splitting or dividing, or metaphorically to refer to groups that tend to break apart into smaller factions. Example: "The fissiparous nature of the political party led to numerous splinter groups forming over time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A fissiparous coalition that has lost the benefit of the doubt with many voters.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet even as the new money was giving a shine to the country's ailing finances, cracks were appearing in Mr Deuba's own, fissiparous, Nepali Congress party.

The Economist

He accepted the constitution's doctrine of pancasila national unity and social justice with freedom of religion as a useful creed for fissiparous Indonesia.

The Economist

Almost four households in five own an Old Glory, perhaps because it is a rare symbol, like the Pledge of Allegiance itself, of a fissiparous country's unity.

The Economist

Mr Johnson would probably pull back in some disillusioned English voters, maybe avoiding the utter, fissiparous general-election rout that now seems likely (it would help if he were to set a date for the election straight away).The ultimate question about Mr Johnson, of course, is not "who" but "whether".

The Economist

But like any truly democratic institution, Presbyterianism is fissiparous and volatile; its ethos can shift rapidly from liberalism to conservatism, as happened in Ireland 200 years ago, or vice versa.

The Economist

In the 15 months since his quip, the coalition has come to look dangerously fissiparous.

The Economist

Normally fissiparous, the "pan-dems" are holding together against the threats and blandishments of the pro-China establishment.

The Economist

Successful, though fissiparous, countries may have to master the art of providing asymmetric solutions, as well as making plain the conditions of any separation.

The Economist

The LDP, for its part, aims to divide and permanently hobble the DPJ over the issue.Japan's political parties have long been fissiparous; politicians swerve off to found their own parties, as often as not coming back into the mainstream fold with little penalty.

The Economist

WHEN the rulers of the newly independent Russia surveyed their vast, fissiparous territory, there was one uppity Muslim region that worried them especially: not Chechnya, but Tatarstan, an oil-rich semi-autonomous republic on the Volga.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fissiparous", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning of division or fragmentation. It's particularly effective when describing political parties or social structures prone to internal divisions.

Common error

Avoid using "fissiparous" loosely to describe any kind of disagreement. The term implies a fundamental tendency to break apart, not just temporary conflict. Using synonyms like "divisive" or "contentious" might be more appropriate for simple disagreements.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "fissiparous" primarily functions to describe a tendency towards division or fragmentation within a group, organization, or even a country. Ludwig shows that it's used to characterize entities inherently prone to breaking apart.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "fissiparous" is a potent descriptor for entities prone to internal division and fragmentation. As Ludwig confirms, it accurately and appropriately conveys a tendency to break apart, especially when applied to political, social, or organizational contexts. While the term is grammatically sound and readily understood, writers should use the term accurately and be mindful of its scope to ensure it appropriately reflects the entity's tendency for division. "Fissiparous" is mostly used in news and media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

divisive

Focuses specifically on the act of causing division or disagreement.

fragmenting

Emphasizes the process of breaking into smaller parts.

factional

Highlights the existence of conflicting groups or factions.

splintering

Suggests a sudden and forceful breaking apart.

schismatic

Relates specifically to divisions within a religious or political organization.

discordant

Implies a lack of harmony and agreement.

contentious

Indicates a tendency to cause arguments and disputes.

separatist

Describes a movement or ideology that seeks separation.

disruptive

Focuses on the act of disturbing or interrupting an established order.

tumultuous

Suggests a state of unrest and disorder.

FAQs

How can "fissiparous" be used in a sentence?

"Fissiparous" is often used to describe entities prone to internal division. For example, "The "fissiparous coalition" struggled to maintain unity."

What is a good alternative to "fissiparous"?

Depending on the context, alternatives like "divisive", "fragmenting", or "factional" can be used in place of "fissiparous".

Is it correct to say "fissiparous tendencies"?

Yes, the phrase "fissiparous tendencies" is commonly used to describe a proclivity or inclination towards division and fragmentation.

What does "fissiparous" mean in the context of biology?

In biology, "fissiparous" describes organisms or cells that reproduce through fission, meaning they divide into two or more parts.