infraction
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
An act of breaking a rule, law, or agreement.
A minor or relatively unimportant violation or breach of a formal rule, regulation, or code, often implying a failure to observe an obligation without severe criminal intent.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Typically denotes a breach of a formal, codified rule. Often used in legal, administrative, or institutional contexts. Strongly implies a transgression that is clear-cut and can be officially noted or penalised.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is broadly similar. The term is standard in legal/administrative language in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally formal and impersonal in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English, especially in contexts like 'traffic infraction' (US) versus 'traffic offence' (UK).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
infraction of [rule/law/agreement]infraction against [code/regulation]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms with 'infraction' as the headword.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used regarding breaches of company policy, contract terms, or regulatory compliance.
Academic
Found in texts on law, sociology (deviance), and institutional governance.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might be heard in news reports about sports rules or local bylaws.
Technical
Core term in legal and administrative jargon for codified violations.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The verb 'infract' is virtually obsolete and not recommended for use.
American English
- The verb 'infract' is archaic and not used in modern English.
adverb
British English
- No established adverb form.
American English
- No established adverb form.
adjective
British English
- The adjectival form 'infractive' is extremely rare and not standard.
American English
- 'Infractive' is not a standard adjective; use 'violative' or 'contravening' instead.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Parking on the double yellow lines is a minor traffic infraction.
- The player received a warning for a rules infraction.
- The company was fined for a serious infraction of environmental regulations.
- Any infraction of the club's code of conduct may result in suspension.
- The tribunal found him guilty of a technical infraction of the procedural rules, though no malice was involved.
- The treaty allows for sanctions in the case of a material infraction by either signatory.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'INFRACTION' as an IN-FRACTION – a breaking INTO pieces of a rule, creating a fractional part of disobedience.
Conceptual Metaphor
RULES ARE BARRIERS/BOUNDARIES; breaking a rule is CROSSING/A BREACHING of that boundary.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'инфраструктура' (infrastructure).
- Closer to 'нарушение', 'проступок', but specifically a formal/procedural one, not 'преступление' (crime).
Common Mistakes
- Confusing with 'infringement' (more common for rights/patents) or 'misdemeanour' (a specific class of crime).
- Using in overly casual contexts where 'breach' or 'violation' would be more natural.
Practice
Quiz
Which context is 'infraction' LEAST likely to be used in?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically not. It usually refers to a violation of a rule, regulation, or code, which is less serious than a crime. In some US contexts, a 'minor infraction' like a parking ticket is a non-criminal offence.
They are often synonyms, but 'infraction' is more formal and narrowly used for breaches of written rules/laws. 'Violation' is broader and can apply to moral principles, privacy, or peace, as well as rules.
No. The verb 'infract' is archaic. Use 'violate', 'breach', or 'infringe upon' instead.
No, it is quite formal. Terms like 'offence', 'breach', or 'violation' are more common in general speech. 'Infraction' is mostly found in legal, administrative, or official sports contexts.
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