# faction

/ˈfækʃən/ (US) · /fˈækʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/faction
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. a dissenting group

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a small group of people within a larger organization, like a political party, who disagree with the main group.

For teachers: a cohesive subgroup within a larger organization, typically characterized by dissent or a specific shared agenda that differs from the majority.

- 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.

### 2. fact-fiction blend

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a type of book or film that mixes real events and people with fictional stories.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. conflict or discord

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary · Archaic

fighting or disagreement between different groups within a larger one.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- A small faction within the party disagreed with the new law.
- The rebel movement eventually split into several warring factions, each claiming to be the true voice of the people.
- The director's latest film explores how a small faction of loyalists attempted to overthrow the established order from within, highlighting the fragile nature of political alliances.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.