Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈfrakSHəs/

Definitions

• 1. (of a person) Irritable and difficult to control; prone to anger or disagreement.
• 2. (of a group or situation) Likely to cause disruption or unrest.

Usage Examples

• "The fractious child refused to listen to any instructions."
• "The fractious political climate led to protests and unrest."
• "Their fractious relationship eventually led to a breakup."

Etymology

Originating from the late 16th century, "fractious" derives from the Latin word "fractio," meaning "a breaking" or "fracture." It combines the concept of being broken or disturbed with the idea of irritability. The term initially referred to the literal breaking of things, then evolved to describe people or situations characterized by irritable or troublesome behavior.

Synonyms

• Irritable
• Restless
• Disruptive
• Quarrelsome

Antonyms

• Calm
• Peaceful
• Agreeable
• Tranquil
• Docile

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

While the standard pronunciation of "fractious" remains consistent in most English dialects (/ˈfrakSHəs/), some regional accents, particularly those in the Southern United States, may pronounce it with a softer "a" sound, making it sound closer to /ˈfræʃəs/.

Historical Usage

First used in the late 16th century, "fractious" was originally used to describe objects or materials that broke apart. Over time, its usage expanded to refer to unruly or irritable individuals. It has appeared in works by authors such as William Shakespeare, who used the word to describe characters prone to conflict and disagreement.

Cultural Nuances

The word "fractious" often carries a negative connotation, implying that someone or something is difficult to manage or troublesome. In modern times, it is commonly used to describe both individuals and groups in contexts where conflict or disagreement is frequent. In many cultures, being described as fractious is considered a negative trait, as it suggests a lack of harmony or cooperation.

More Information

Although "fractious" is often used in a negative sense to describe someone’s temperament, it can also be used to describe situations, organizations, or movements that are characterized by discord or frequent conflict. The word has particular relevance in social, political, and organizational contexts, where it refers to groups or people that are prone to disruptive behavior. The idea of being fractious is especially common in descriptions of political parties or movements that are divided or lack a unified direction.