| Library / English Dictionary |
FRACTIOUS
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Unpredictably difficult in operation; likely to be troublesome
Example:
fractious components of a communication system
Classified under:
Similar:
difficult; hard (not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Easily irritated or annoyed
Example:
not the least nettlesome of his countrymen
Synonyms:
cranky; fractious; irritable; nettlesome; peckish; peevish; pettish; petulant; scratchy; techy; testy; tetchy
Classified under:
Similar:
ill-natured (having an irritable and unpleasant disposition)
Derivation:
fractiousness (the trait of being prone to disobedience and lack of discipline)
Sense 3
Meaning:
Stubbornly resistant to authority or control
Example:
a refractory child
Synonyms:
fractious; recalcitrant; refractory
Classified under:
Adjectives
Similar:
disobedient (not obeying or complying with commands of those in authority)
Derivation:
fractiousness (the trait of being prone to disobedience and lack of discipline)
