factionalism
UK[ˈfæk.ʃən.əl.ɪ.zəm]US[ˈfæk.ʃən.əl.ɪ.zəm]
n
The state of being split into groups that oppose each other, especially within a political organization.
n
The tendency of such groups to prioritize their own interests over the common good.
Morpheme Breakdown
faction
al
ism
faction
group
al
adjective suffix
ism
doctrine or practice
Etymology
the word 'factionalism' is built upon the latin root facere, meaning "to do or make." from this, factio evolved to denote a group of people acting together, often for political ends, acquiring the negative connotation of a divisive or self-interested clique. the adjective-forming suffix '-al' attaches to 'faction' to create 'factional,' describing anything pertaining to such a group. finally, the abstract noun suffix '-ism' is added, transforming it into a term for the condition or practice of being divided into opposing factions. thus, the literal construction "the practice (-ism) of being characterized by (-al) a divisive group (faction)" precisely captures the modern meaning of internal conflict and partisan strife within an organization.
Analysis
Structure: faction (group) + al (adjective suffix) + ism (doctrine or practice)
faction: from latin factionem (a making, a doing, a political party), from facere (to do, to make). functions as the core noun root.
al: a latin-derived suffix forming adjectives meaning "of, relating to, or characterized by".
ism: a greek-derived suffix (via latin) forming nouns denoting a distinctive practice, system, or philosophy.
Examples
the party's internal factionalism prevented it from presenting a united front in the election.
the union was weakened by years of bitter factionalism over strategy and leadership.
the historian argued that factionalism within the ruling class was a primary cause of the empire's decline.