fractious
Adjective
Hard difficulty
What does “fractious” mean?
adjective.(typically of children) irritable and quarrelsome.
SAT Usage
this word often appears in contexts involving children, family dynamics, or social interactions, emphasizing a sense of irritability and conflict. It implies a more persistent, troublesome nature than similar words like "irritable," suggesting not just occasional annoyance but a chronic tendency toward quarrelsomeness.
Common Confusions
Fractious implies a chronic tendency toward irritability and conflict, while irritable usually suggests a temporary state of annoyance or discomfort.
Do not choose fractious if the context emphasizes calmness or cooperation rather than irritability and quarrelsomeness.
Example Sentences
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The fractious group argued about every minor decision.