Alistair Brownlee

London 2012 was the toughest time in our relationship but also the best. Things could get fractious - we were both competing for gold - but standing next to my brother on the start line for a home Olympics was so special. I remember saying: 'Let's go.

British Athlete

Pankaj Mishra

To Westerners, the students at Tiananmen may have given an impression of a solid and energetic consensus against dictatorship and for democracy, but they were an egotistical and fractious lot, riven by disagreements over tactics and money.

Indian Novelist

Fractious often describes someone easily upset, especially by small things.

Mood Trigger

Use 'fractious' to suggest a negative, grumpy attitude, not just tiredness or hunger.

Emotional Tone

'Fractious' doesn't necessarily mean someone is always difficult; it can be temporary.

Not Always Bad

Use 'fractious' to describe situations where there's disagreement and complexity.

Complex Situations

'Fractious' suggests a stressful or tense atmosphere with potential for conflict.

Stressful Dynamics

When things aren't going well or are hard to handle, 'fractious' is fitting.

Not Smooth Sailing

Fractious implies possible disruption or beginnings of an argument.

Potential Conflict

'Fractious' can indicate a lack of unity or agreement among people.

Disunity Hint

Use 'fractious' to describe the stage before an outright argument breaks out.

Pre-Argument Stage

 We have to make sure they're ready to be the leaders of this great country of ours, a country that is like no other, a country that amazes me every single day, a country that's fractious. We're always arguing with each other. That's how the system's supposed to work.

Colin Powell: Kids need...

 Reformation czar predicated on fractious discussion internal self-doubt and massive realignment of antiquated business models and at heart both Reformation I think we're asking the questions who's entitled to practice how are they entitled to practice and indeed

The true power of the...

 but for all his triumphs bolivars glory did not last unto the grave in time politics in the countries he created grew more fractious the the countries that the the the poet that