Definition of Majority
The word majority refers to the greater part or number of something. It is commonly used to indicate more than half of a total, whether in the context of people, votes, or items. The term is also employed in legal, political, and statistical discussions.
Synonyms for Majority
Strongest Matches (Exact or Nearly Exact Synonyms)
- Bulk
- Greater part
- Larger portion
- Preponderance
- Larger share
- Most
- Lion’s share
- Plurality (in voting)
Strong Matches (Closely Related Words)
- Dominance
- Superiority
- Upper hand
- Predominance
- Main part
- Larger segment
- Higher percentage
- Supermajority (political term)
Weak Matches (Loosely Related Words)
- Abundance
- Surplus
- Multiplicity
- Collection
- Aggregate
- Assembly
- Mass
Example Sentences Using Majority
- The majority of voters supported the new legislation.
- A majority of the class agreed to postpone the test.
- She won the election by a majority of 65%.
- The majority of the funds were allocated to infrastructure.
- In most cases, a simple majority is required to pass a bill.
Contextual Usage of Majority
- Politics & Governance: Used to describe the greater portion of votes in elections or legislative decisions (e.g., “The party secured a majority in the Senate”).
- Business & Economics: Refers to the larger share of market dominance or ownership (e.g., “The majority shareholder holds 60% of the company’s stock”).
- Legal Context: Indicates the age at which an individual is legally recognized as an adult (e.g., “The age of majority in most countries is 18”).
- Statistics & Mathematics: Used to express a quantity greater than 50% of a total (e.g., “A majority of survey respondents favored the new policy”).
Related Words and Concepts
- Minority (opposite of majority)
- Quorum (minimum number required for a valid decision)
- Consensus (general agreement, which often involves a majority)
- Plurality vs. Majority (plurality refers to having more votes than any other candidate, but not necessarily over 50%)
- Majoritarianism (philosophy that the majority’s decision should dominate governance)
Additional Notes
The concept of a majority is critical in democratic processes, corporate governance, and statistical analysis. The required threshold for a majority can vary, such as a simple majority (more than 50%) or a supermajority (often 60% or more, depending on rules).
Disclaimer
This page is for informational and educational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, interpretations may vary across disciplines. For specific legal, political, or business applications, consult a professional expert.
