WordValeconsensus
general agreement among a group
In more detail
1. (noun) agreement among most or all people in a group
2. (noun) a general opinion or belief that most people share
Examples
- 1. The team reached a consensus that they should change their strategy.
- 2. There is a growing consensus among scientists that climate change is real.
How to use consensus
Consensus describes an agreement or shared view across a group, often implying that most or all members align rather than requiring absolute unanimity. It is frequently used in academic, professional, and political contexts where collective opinion matters. Unlike 'agreement,' consensus emphasizes the widespread nature of the accord and carries a sense of legitimacy through group approval.
Common phrases
- reach a consensus
- broad consensus
- build consensus
- consensus view
- consensus among experts
- without consensus
Synonyms
agreement · accord · general agreement · collective opinion · common ground
Opposites
disagreement · discord · dissent
Word family
consensual (adjective) · consensually (adverb)
A common mistake
Learners often say 'consensus of opinion' or 'general consensus,' which are redundant since consensus already implies a shared opinion; use simply 'consensus' or 'general consensus' alone.
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