fractious
/ˈfɹæk.ʃəs/
Group 11Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Easily irritated; hard to control; unruly GRE
Example in Context
The fractious coalition government struggled to agree on even the most basic policy measures during its brief tenure.
Synonyms
crankyirritableunruly
Etymology
Full of breaking out — easily irritated or unruly.
- fract- (Latin) — to break
- ious (Latin) — full of
Memory Aid
⚔️Sounds like “fractious sounds like 'fracas'”
A bunch of toddlers in a toy store having a FRACAS — they’re all so FRACTIOUS!
Visual Association
😠A group of angry cats fighting over a single toy mouse, fur flying everywhere.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “fractious” mean on the GRE?
fractious (adjective) means “Easily irritated; hard to control; unruly”. The fractious coalition government struggled to agree on even the most basic policy measures during its brief tenure.
How to remember “fractious” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “fractious” sounds like “fractious sounds like 'fracas'”. A bunch of toddlers in a toy store having a FRACAS — they’re all so FRACTIOUS!
What are synonyms for “fractious”?
Common synonyms: cranky, irritable, unruly.