What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tribalism
Example
Tribalism is still prevalent in some parts of Africa, where people identify strongly with their ethnic group. [tribalism: noun]
Example
The politician appealed to tribal sentiments to gain support from his community. [tribal: adjective]
factionalism
Example
The party was divided by factionalism, with different groups vying for power. [factionalism: noun]
Example
The company was plagued by factional disputes that hindered progress. [factional: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tribalism is more commonly used than factionalism in everyday language, especially in discussions of cultural or ethnic identity. Factionalism is a less common term but is frequently used in discussions of organizational behavior and politics.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tribalism and factionalism?
Both tribalism and factionalism are neutral terms that can be used in formal or informal contexts, depending on the context and audience.
