fractious

IPA/ˈfrækʃəs/
KK[frˈækʃəs]IPA/ˈfrækʃəs/

fractious — adjective

  • fractiouspositive
  • more fractiouscomparative
  • most fractioussuperlative

1. Someone who is fractious becomes irritated or angry very quickly, especially abo

1.形容詞B2
釋義

Someone who is fractious becomes irritated or angry very quickly, especially about small things that would not normally bother other people, and often shows this by complaining or arguing.

例句

Yuki grew fractious after waiting in the queue for over forty minutes.

grew fractious — change-of-state verb pattern

The toddler was fractious all afternoon because she had skipped her nap.

同義詞
  • irritable

    the closest general synonym; slightly less intense and more widely used

  • grumpy

    informal; suggests a sullen, unhappy mood rather than active complaining

  • testy

    implies sharp, impatient words in response to minor annoyance; slightly more formal than 'fractious'

反義詞
  • calm

    the direct opposite in terms of emotional state

  • placid

    formal; describes someone who is not easily upset by anything

文法句型

fractious + noun (e.g. fractious child)

be/look/sound + fractious

用法筆記

Describes a temporary emotional state triggered by discomfort, delay, or frustration, not a permanent personality trait. Compare with sense 2, which describes behaviour rather than mood.

常見錯誤

❌The baby is fractious today because she is teething.
✅The baby is fussy today because she is teething.
💡'fractious' sounds too strong for a mild infant upset; 'fussy' or 'cranky' are more natural.

2. A fractious group, animal, or situation is difficult to control because the peop

2.形容詞C1
釋義

A fractious group, animal, or situation is difficult to control because the people or animals involved argue with one another, refuse to follow rules, or openly resist authority.

例句

The fractious crowd ignored the police officer's repeated requests to disperse.

fractious crowd — common noun collocation

Sofia's class was so fractious that the substitute teacher had to call the principal.

同義詞
  • unruly

    the closest synonym; focuses on disorderly behaviour and refusal to obey rules

  • recalcitrant

    more formal; suggests stubborn resistance to authority or discipline

  • rebellious

    implies active defiance against a specific authority figure or system

反義詞
  • obedient

    willing to follow rules and instructions

  • docile

    passive and easy to manage; often used for animals or groups

文法句型

fractious + noun (e.g. fractious crowd)

become + fractious

用法筆記

The subject is usually a collective noun (team, class, crowd, parliament, party) or an animal. Unlike sense 1, this sense focuses on behaviour and control rather than emotional state. Not used to describe individuals in a calm, one-on-one setting.

常見錯誤

❌The fractious dog bit the mailman.
✅The aggressive dog bit the mailman.
💡'fractious' describes resistance to control or authority, not an attack.