Faction

/ˈfækʃən/ noun

Definition

A small, organized group within a larger group, especially one that disagrees with the others and causes conflict.

Etymology

From French “faction,” from Latin “factio” meaning “a doing, a group acting together,” from “facere” meaning “to do” or “to make.” It shifted from a neutral “group of doers” to a group often seen as divisive.

Kelly Says

“Faction” shares roots with “factory” and “fact,” all built from “to do” or “to make.” It hints that whenever people start strongly “doing” things their own way inside a group, a faction is born.

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