WordValeplurality
the largest share of votes, but less than a majority
In more detail
1. (noun) the state of being plural or more than one
2. (noun) a majority of votes in an election when there are more than two candidates, but not necessarily more than half of all votes
3. (noun) the quality of being diverse or having many different types
Examples
- 1. The plurality of the word "children" shows it refers to more than one child.
- 2. The candidate won with a plurality of 40% of the votes, even though no one got over 50%.
- 3. The city celebrates the plurality of cultures in its neighborhoods.
How to use plurality
Plurality is used in formal contexts to describe the state of being multiple or diverse, and is especially common in political and sociological discourse. In elections, it specifically denotes winning with the most votes but not necessarily a majority. The term emphasizes coexistence of different elements rather than their integration or harmony.
Common phrases
- cultural plurality
- religious plurality
- plurality of votes
- plurality of opinions
- plurality of forms
Synonyms
multiplicity · variety · diversity · majority · multitude
Opposites
singularity · unity · homogeneity
Word family
plural · pluralistic · pluralism · pluralist · pluralize
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse plurality with majority; plurality means the largest number of votes (even if less than 50%), while majority means more than half of all votes.
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