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friction

Noun

IPA /ˈfrɪkʃn/

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Meaning in plain English

Tension or disagreement between people that makes it harder for them to get along.

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Pronunciation

friction/ˈfrɪkʃn/

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People must work together
Repeated disagreements cause tension

Friction between colleagues makes cooperation more difficult.

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Different ideas about tidiness caused friction between the flatmates.
Unclear responsibilities created friction between the two departments.

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Different ideas about tidiness caused ________ between the flatmates.

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friction — Tension or disagreement between people that makes it harder for them to get along.

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Tension or disagreement between people that makes it harder for them to get along.

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Word origin

From Latin frictio through French, related to fricare, meaning to rub.

Did you know?

Friction between people can be caused by competing needs or opinions.

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