Confliction vs. Conflict: What's the Difference?
By Janet White || Updated on May 24, 2024
Confliction refers to the state or condition of being conflicted, whereas conflict denotes a serious disagreement or struggle between opposing forces.
Key Differences
Confliction is a less commonly used noun that describes the internal state of being conflicted or experiencing mental struggle. It often refers to the psychological turmoil one feels when torn between opposing choices or emotions. Conflict, on the other hand, is a more widely used noun that denotes a serious disagreement, clash, or struggle between opposing forces, which can be internal or external.
Confliction often implies a personal, internal struggle, highlighting the emotional and mental aspects. For example, "Her confliction over the decision was evident" emphasizes her internal turmoil. Conflict can refer to both internal struggles and external disputes, such as "The conflict between the two countries escalated," highlighting an external disagreement.
In terms of usage, confliction is not as commonly found in everyday language and tends to be more abstract, while conflict is frequently used in various contexts, from interpersonal disagreements to large-scale disputes. Confliction might appear in more literary or psychological contexts, whereas conflict is used broadly in everyday conversations, media, and literature.
Grammatically, conflict can function as both a noun and a verb, while confliction is strictly a noun. As a verb, conflict means to be in opposition or disagreement, such as in "Their schedules conflict." This versatility makes conflict more adaptable in different linguistic contexts compared to confliction.
While confliction focuses on the state of being conflicted, conflict encompasses a broader range of disagreements, including personal, social, and international disputes. This distinction is important in understanding their specific applications and nuances in language.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun
Noun, Verb
Focus
State of being conflicted
Disagreement or struggle
Example Usage
"Her confliction was clear."
"The conflict lasted for years."
Commonality
Less commonly used
Widely used
Context
Internal, emotional struggle
Internal or external disputes
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Confliction and Conflict Definitions
Confliction
Emotional or mental struggle.
He felt a deep confliction about moving away from home.
Conflict
A struggle or clash between opposing forces.
The conflict in the region has lasted for decades.
Confliction
The presence of conflicting emotions or thoughts.
His confliction was evident in his hesitation.
Conflict
A serious disagreement or argument.
The conflict between the two friends was resolved.
Confliction
The state of being conflicted.
Her confliction over the career choice was intense.
Conflict
A state of opposition between ideas or interests.
There is a conflict between their goals and values.
Confliction
A condition of internal discord.
The confliction within her mind was overwhelming.
Conflict
A state of open, often prolonged fighting; a battle or war.
Confliction
A state of open, often prolonged fighting; a battle or war.
Conflict
A state of disagreement or disharmony between persons or ideas; a clash
A conflict over water rights.
Confliction
A state of disagreement or disharmony between persons or ideas; a clash
A conflict over water rights.
Conflict
(Psychology) An emotional or mental disturbance resulting from the opposition or simultaneous functioning of mutually exclusive impulses, desires, or tendencies.
Confliction
(Psychology) An emotional or mental disturbance resulting from the opposition or simultaneous functioning of mutually exclusive impulses, desires, or tendencies.
Conflict
Opposition between characters or forces in a work of drama or fiction, especially when motivating or shaping the action of the plot.
Confliction
Opposition between characters or forces in a work of drama or fiction, especially when motivating or shaping the action of the plot.
Conflict
To be in or come into opposition; differ.
Confliction
To be in or come into opposition; differ.
Conflict
(Archaic) To engage in warfare.
Confliction
(Archaic) To engage in warfare.
Conflict
A clash or disagreement, often violent, between two or more opposing groups or individuals.
The conflict between the government and the rebels began three years ago.
Confliction
A conflicting condition; conflict.
Conflict
An incompatibility, as of two things that cannot be simultaneously fulfilled.
I wanted to attend the meeting but there's a conflict in my schedule that day.
Confliction
A less common term for a state of conflict.
The confliction in his heart made decision-making difficult.
Conflict
(intransitive) To be at odds (with); to disagree or be incompatible
Conflict
(intransitive) To overlap (with), as in a schedule.
Your conference call conflicts with my older one: please reschedule.
It appears that our schedules conflict.
Conflict
A striking or dashing together; violent collision; as, a conflict of elements or waves.
Conflict
A strife for the mastery; hostile contest; battle; struggle; fighting.
As soon as he [Atterbury] was himself again, he became eager for action and conflict.
An irrepressible conflict between opposing and enduring forces.
Conflict
To strike or dash together; to meet in violent collision; to collide.
Fire and water conflicting together.
Conflict
To maintain a conflict; to contend; to engage in strife or opposition; to struggle.
A man would be content to . . . conflict with great difficulties, in hopes of a mighty reward.
Conflict
To be in opposition; to be contradictory.
The laws of the United States and of the individual States may, in some cases, conflict with each other.
Conflict
An open clash between two opposing groups (or individuals);
The harder the conflict the more glorious the triumph
Police tried to control the battle between the pro- and anti-abortion mobs
Conflict
Opposition between two simultaneous but incompatible feelings;
He was immobilized by conflict and indecision
Conflict
A hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war;
Grant won a decisive victory in the battle of Chickamauga
He lost his romantic ideas about war when he got into a real engagement
Conflict
A state of opposition between persons or ideas or interests;
His conflict of interest made him ineligible for the post
A conflict of loyalties
Conflict
An incompatibility of dates or events;
He noticed a conflict in the dates of the two meetings
Conflict
Opposition in a work of drama or fiction between characters or forces (especially an opposition that motivates the development of the plot);
This form of conflict is essential to Mann's writing
Conflict
A disagreement or argument about something important;
He had a dispute with his wife
There were irreconcilable differences
The familiar conflict between Republicans and Democrats
Conflict
Be in conflict;
The two proposals conflict!
Conflict
Go against, as of rules and laws;
He ran afould of the law
This behavior conflicts with our rules
Conflict
To be in opposition or disagreement (verb).
Their schedules conflict with each other.
Conflict
An internal struggle within a person.
She felt a conflict between duty and desire.
FAQs
What does confliction emphasize?
Confliction emphasizes an internal, emotional struggle.
What is the main difference between confliction and conflict?
Confliction refers to the state of being conflicted, whereas conflict denotes a serious disagreement or struggle.
Can confliction and conflict be used interchangeably?
No, confliction and conflict are not interchangeable due to their distinct meanings and usage.
What is an example of conflict as a noun?
e.g., "The conflict between the two countries escalated."
Can conflict be used as both a noun and a verb?
Yes, conflict can function as both a noun and a verb.
What is an example of conflict as a verb?
e.g., "Their opinions conflict with each other."
Is confliction commonly used in everyday language?
No, confliction is less commonly used compared to conflict.
Does confliction have a verb form?
No, confliction is strictly a noun.
What does conflict imply about the nature of disagreement?
Conflict implies a serious or significant disagreement or struggle.
How is conflict used in different contexts?
Conflict can refer to interpersonal disagreements, internal struggles, and large-scale disputes.
How does conflict relate to personal struggles?
Conflict can describe both internal personal struggles and external disputes.
What aspect of struggle does confliction highlight?
Confliction highlights the internal and emotional aspect of struggle.
In what contexts is confliction typically used?
Confliction is often used in literary or psychological contexts.
Can conflict be used to describe opposing ideas?
Yes, conflict can describe opposition between ideas or interests.
Is confliction more abstract than conflict?
Yes, confliction tends to be more abstract, focusing on internal states.
Can conflict describe large-scale disputes?
Yes, conflict can describe large-scale disputes like wars or regional conflicts.
How is conflict used in a sentence?
e.g., "The conflict between the two sides was intense."
How is confliction used in a sentence?
e.g., "Her confliction over the decision was evident."
Is confliction a common term in psychology?
Confliction can be used in psychological contexts to describe internal turmoil.
What is a key characteristic of conflict?
A key characteristic of conflict is its applicability to both internal and external struggles.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
