Confliction vs. Conflict — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 10, 2024
Confliction isn't a commonly used term; it generally suggests a state of being conflicted. Conflict, on the other hand, refers to a serious disagreement or argument, typically a prolonged one, between parties.
Difference Between Confliction and Conflict
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The term "confliction" is rarely used and may be considered nonstandard or incorrect in many contexts. It might be intended to convey a state or condition of internal conflict or feeling torn between decisions or feelings. However, the correct term for expressing such a state is usually "conflict" or "being conflicted." Conflict, conversely, is widely recognized and used to describe a situation where two or more parties are engaged in a struggle or disagreement, which can be internal (within oneself) or external (between individuals, groups, or nations).
While conflict can manifest in various forms such as physical, emotional, ideological, or military engagements, confliction, if used, would primarily relate to internal struggles within an individual. The clarity and appropriateness of "conflict" make it the preferred term in both formal and informal discourse for describing disputes or battles of opposing forces or ideas.
The process of resolving a conflict involves negotiation, communication, and sometimes intervention, aiming to reach an agreement or understanding. In contrast, addressing a state of being conflicted (or what one might refer to as "confliction") typically requires introspection, advice, and decision-making to reconcile internal dilemmas or disagreements.
Understanding the context and nature of a disagreement or struggle is crucial for identifying whether it's an internal conflict (being conflicted) or an external conflict (involving separate parties). This distinction helps in applying the appropriate strategies for resolution or reconciliation, whether through personal reflection or collective negotiation.
Both terms, when understood in their respective contexts, highlight the importance of clarity in communication and the need for effective resolution strategies. However, given the limited use and recognition of "confliction," it's advisable to use more precise language to describe internal struggles or conflicts to avoid confusion.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A nonstandard term for internal struggle or feeling torn.
A serious disagreement or argument between two or more parties.
Type
Internal (within an individual)
Can be internal or external (between parties)
Resolution
Introspection, advice, decision-making
Negotiation, communication, intervention
Usage
Rarely used, considered nonstandard
Widely recognized and used
Focus
Personal dilemmas or internal disagreements
Disputes or struggles between opposing forces or ideas
Compare with Definitions
Confliction
Decision-making Dilemma.
Her confliction was evident as she pondered her future path.
Conflict
Internal Struggle.
He faced an internal conflict about betraying his friend's trust.
Confliction
Emotional Turmoil.
The decision left him in a state of confliction.
Conflict
Ideological Battle.
The debate became a conflict of principles.
Confliction
Psychological Conflict.
The protagonist's confliction drove the novel's tension.
Conflict
Disagreement.
The board members were in conflict over the new policy.
Confliction
Internal Struggle.
He felt a deep confliction about choosing between career and family.
Conflict
Interpersonal Dispute.
Their conflict stemmed from a misunderstanding.
Confliction
Moral Uncertainty.
She experienced confliction over the ethical implications of her actions.
Conflict
War.
The two countries have been in conflict for years.
Confliction
A state of disagreement or disharmony between persons or ideas; a clash
A conflict over water rights.
Conflict
Be incompatible or at variance; clash
The date for the match conflicted with a religious festival
Parents' and children's interests sometimes conflict
Confliction
(Psychology) An emotional or mental disturbance resulting from the opposition or simultaneous functioning of mutually exclusive impulses, desires, or tendencies.
Conflict
A state of open, often prolonged fighting; a battle or war.
Confliction
Opposition between characters or forces in a work of drama or fiction, especially when motivating or shaping the action of the plot.
Conflict
A state of disagreement or disharmony between persons or ideas; a clash
A conflict over water rights.
Confliction
To be in or come into opposition; differ.
Conflict
(Psychology) An emotional or mental disturbance resulting from the opposition or simultaneous functioning of mutually exclusive impulses, desires, or tendencies.
Confliction
(Archaic) To engage in warfare.
Conflict
Opposition between characters or forces in a work of drama or fiction, especially when motivating or shaping the action of the plot.
Confliction
A conflicting condition; conflict.
Conflict
To be in or come into opposition; differ.
Conflict
(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.
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.
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
Common Curiosities
What does confliction mean?
Although not commonly used, confliction might suggest a state of being conflicted or experiencing an internal struggle.
What is conflict?
Conflict refers to a serious disagreement or argument, which can be internal or external, between two or more parties.
How does one resolve a conflict?
Resolving a conflict typically involves negotiation, effective communication, and sometimes third-party intervention.
Can external conflicts cause internal conflict?
Yes, external conflicts can lead to internal conflicts as individuals struggle with how to respond to or feel about external pressures or disagreements.
Can conflict be positive?
Yes, when managed well, conflict can lead to growth, innovation, and improved relationships by addressing underlying issues.
How can someone address internal conflict?
Addressing internal conflict often involves introspection, seeking advice, and making decisions to reconcile conflicting feelings or choices.
What's the difference between being conflicted and a conflict?
Being conflicted refers to an internal struggle within an individual, while a conflict involves a disagreement between two or more parties.
Why is effective communication important in resolving conflicts?
Effective communication helps to clarify misunderstandings, express needs and concerns, and find mutually acceptable solutions.
Is it correct to use confliction to describe a disagreement?
It's not standard usage; "conflict" is the correct term for describing disagreements or struggles, whether internal or external.
How do culture and values influence conflict?
Cultural backgrounds and personal values can shape perceptions, reactions, and approaches to conflict, affecting both its cause and resolution.
What role does empathy play in conflict resolution?
Empathy allows individuals to understand and consider the perspectives and feelings of others, facilitating more compassionate and effective resolutions.
What impact does unresolved conflict have on relationships?
Unresolved conflict can lead to resentment, breakdown in communication, and the deterioration of relationships.
Is avoiding conflict a good strategy?
While sometimes avoidance can prevent unnecessary tension, addressing conflict constructively is often necessary for resolution and growth.
How can organizations manage conflict effectively?
Organizations can manage conflict through clear communication channels, established resolution processes, and training in conflict management skills.
Can conflict resolution strategies vary depending on the situation?
Yes, different conflicts may require tailored approaches, considering the parties involved, the nature of the disagreement, and desired outcomes.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
