Word
faction
Phoneticsfac·tion, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfækʃən/
UK/fˈækʃən/
Definitions
01a dissenting group
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. a small group of people within a larger organization, like a political party, who disagree with the main group.
n. a cohesive subgroup within a larger organization, typically characterized by dissent or a specific shared agenda that differs from the majority.
日本語:派閥※
“A small faction within the party voted against the new law.”
“The ruling party was paralyzed by internal factions, each competing for influence over the upcoming budget negotiations.”
Usage
Often used with 'within' to describe the relationship to the parent organization.
02fact-fiction blend
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Literature Technical
n. a type of book or film that mixes real events and people with fictional stories.
n. a literary or cinematic genre that treats real people or historical events using the techniques of fiction.
“The movie is a work of faction, combining historical records with imagined conversations.”
“Critics debated whether the author's use of faction successfully humanized the historical figures or merely distorted the public's understanding of the actual events.”
Usage
A portmanteau of 'fact' and 'fiction', used primarily in academic or critical contexts.
Synonyms
03conflict or discord
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Literary · Archaic
n. fighting or disagreement between different groups within a larger one.
n. state of conflict, discord, or dissension within a group or state.
“The country was torn apart by years of religious faction.”
“The historian argued that the empire did not fall to external enemies but was eroded from within by centuries of bitter faction and greed.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “faction” in context.
Verb
01. break away into factions
“The organization began to break away into factions after the controversial vote.”
verb + adv + prep + noun
02. form a faction
“Dissident members decided to form a faction to challenge the current leadership.”
verb + noun
03. lead a faction
“She has led a powerful faction within the party for over a decade.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. opposing factions
“The debate highlighted the deep divide between opposing factions of the committee.”
adj + noun
05. rival factions
“Peace talks were stalled as rival factions refused to lay down their arms.”
adj + noun
06. warring factions
“The UN is attempting to mediate between the warring factions in the region.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. factions within the party
“Various factions within the party are struggling to agree on a new manifesto.”
noun + prep + noun
08. infighting between factions
“Constant infighting between factions has weakened the government's authority.”
noun + prep + noun
Real-World Examples
“The Taliban are split, with deep disagreements on the ban on women’s education among other issues, but remain dominated by the most conservative factions.” “Each scenario asks players to pick one action from three choices on the screen, with each potentially upsetting or pleasing the different factions.” Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French faction, from Latin factiō (“a group of people acting together, a political faction”), noun of process from perfect passive participle factus, from faciō (“do, make”). Doublet of fashion.
Blend of fact + fiction.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/faction
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0