friction •\ˈfrik-shən\• noun 1. the resistance encountered when one body is moved in contact with another 2. effort expended in moving one object over another with pressure 3. a state of conflict between persons The word friction has appeared in 317 New York Times articles in the past year, including on June 3 in the Modern Love column "Happily Ever, After We Split" by Wendy Paris: We had been discussing our incompatibilities for years. We met at a book party in 2000 and were immediately attracted to each other and to certain aspects of each other's personality. But while I yearn for a deeply united, soul-mate-style connection, he wants something looser, more independent, less enmeshed. This difference created friction almost immediately; still, we wanted our romance to last. We took a Calvinist approach to our union, as if "hard work" could yield a better match. Or he did. I was probably channeling the sculptor Rodin. As if by constantly chipping away at each other, we would reveal an edifice of perfect love. Other times, I felt we were erecting a scaffolding of a life - beautiful home, nice parties - and hoping the snug interior would fill itself in. Learn more about the word "friction" and see usage examples across a range of subjects on the Vocabulary dictionary.