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attrito

friction

noun aht-TREE-toh Rare
Descriptions & Qualities Conditions

Origin: From Latin attritus, rubbed away.

Also means

abrasion

Usage Note

Attrito is used both in physics (resistance between surfaces) and figuratively for tension or conflict between people: c'è attrito tra i due colleghi (there is friction between the two colleagues). The figurative use is common in workplace and diplomatic contexts. The plural gli attriti usually refers to instances of interpersonal friction.

Examples

"C'è molto attrito tra i due partner."

Natural Translation

There is a lot of friction between the two partners.

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