What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fratricidal
Example
The civil war was a fratricidal conflict that tore the country apart. [fratricidal: adjective]
Example
The political party was torn apart by fratricidal infighting. [fratricidal: adjective]
internecine
Example
The internecine warfare between the two tribes lasted for years. [internecine: adjective]
Example
The company was destroyed by internecine power struggles among its executives. [internecine: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Internecine is less common than fratricidal in everyday language. Fratricidal is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, while internecine is more specific and often used in academic or formal writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fratricidal and internecine?
Both fratricidal and internecine are formal words that are typically used in serious or academic contexts. However, internecine is slightly more formal than fratricidal due to its less common usage and more specific connotation.
