friction

/ˈfrɪkʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈfrɪkʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfrik-shən/ (ame, mw)

friction — noun

1. a natural force that slows or stops a moving object when it rubs against another

1.名詞B1
釋義

a natural force that slows or stops a moving object when it rubs against another object, a surface, or a substance such as air or water

例句

The boy rubbed his hands together, and the friction made them feel warm.

Car tyres are designed to create friction on the road to keep the vehicle from sliding.

passive: are designed to create [enough] friction

同義詞
  • resistance

    broader term; friction is one type of resistance, but resistance also includes air drag and electrical opposition

  • drag

    specifically refers to friction in fluids (air or water), not between solid surfaces

  • rubbing

    everyday word for the action, not a scientific term for the force

反義詞
  • smoothness

    a quality of a surface, not a force; the opposite condition, not the opposite force

  • lubrication

    a substance or process that reduces friction, not strictly an antonym

文法句型

friction between + two surfaces/objects

friction of + substance + against + surface

friction + verb (causes / slows / stops)

用法筆記

Frequently found in science and engineering contexts where the amount of friction is described as high, low, or minimal. Always uncountable — do not use 'a friction' or 'frictions' for this sense.

常見錯誤

❌There are frictions in the engine that waste energy.
✅There is friction in the engine that wastes energy.
💡The physical force is uncountable; never use the plural form for this sense.
❌Smooth surfaces have no friction.
✅Smooth surfaces have very low friction.
💡Even smooth surfaces create some friction; in real physics there is almost never zero friction.

2. feelings of anger, annoyance, or tension that arise when people or groups disagr

2.名詞B1
釋義

feelings of anger, annoyance, or tension that arise when people or groups disagree about what to do or how to think about things

例句

Élise and her roommate had friction over whose turn it was to clean the kitchen.

collocation: friction between [people] over [topic]

Cultural differences can cause friction among team members working in international companies.

collocation: cause friction among [group]

同義詞
  • tension

    broader term; tension can exist without any open disagreement, while friction suggests actual clashing

  • conflict

    stronger and more direct; conflict involves active opposition, while friction is milder and more persistent

  • discord

    more formal and literary; suggests serious lack of agreement or harmony

  • disagreement

    refers to a single instance or event, whereas friction suggests a continuous state

反義詞
  • harmony

    opposite of friction; a state of agreement and peace

  • agreement

    opposite of disagreement; a resolved or shared position

文法句型

friction between + people/groups

friction over + topic

cause/create/avoid friction

用法筆記

Always uncountable — do not use 'a friction'. This sense often names the cause with 'over' (the issue) or 'between' (the parties). Unlike 'conflict', friction implies an ongoing low-level strain rather than an open fight.

常見錯誤

❌We had a friction about how to spend the money.
✅There was some friction between us over how to spend the money.
💡Friction is uncountable; use 'some' or 'a lot of', never 'a friction'.
❌The friction between the two brothers solved after they talked.
✅The friction between the two brothers went away after they talked.
💡Friction does not 'solve'; it 'goes away', 'disappears', or 'is resolved'.