minority

Thân thiện

A small minority of the students raised their hands to answer the question.

Definition

Noun: 1. The smaller number or part; a number or amount that is less than half of a total. This refers to a group or quantity that is fewer than 50% of the whole. 2. The state or period of being under the legal age of adulthood. This refers to the status of a person who is not yet legally considered an adult. 3. A group of people who differ racially, ethnically, religiously, or politically from the larger, more dominant group in a society. This sociological sense refers to a group distinguished by characteristics that often lead to differential treatment.

Usage and Examples

• As the smaller part of a whole:
  • Women are a minority in the engineering department.
  • Only a minority of voters supported the proposal.
  • They are in the minority on this issue.
• Referring to legal age:
  • She inherited the estate while still in her minority.
  • The law protects the rights of those in minority.
• Referring to a distinct social group:
  • The government introduced policies to protect minority rights.
  • He comes from an ethnic minority.

Advanced Usage

• "A vocal minority": A small group within a larger group that expresses its opinions very loudly or forcefully.
  • The decision was unpopular, but the opposition came from a vocal minority.
• "Minority interest": 1) A financial stake in a company that is less than 50%. 2) An activity or subject that appeals to a small segment of the population.
  • The corporation acquired a minority interest in the startup.
  • Classical poetry is a minority interest these days.

Variants and Related Words

• Minor (adjective): 1) Lesser in importance, seriousness, or size. 2) Below the legal age of adulthood.
  • A minor problem; a minor key in music.
  • It is illegal to sell alcohol to minors.
• Minoritarianism (noun): A political philosophy or practice that prioritizes the interests of a minority group.

Synonyms

• For the smaller part: lesser number, smaller part, fewer.
• For legal status: nonage, underage (adjective).
• For social group: subgroup, marginalized group.

Antonyms

• Majority, plurality, bulk, most.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "To be in the minority": To be part of the smaller group in terms of opinion or number.
  • If you think we should leave now, you're in the minority.
• "Minority rule": A system where a minority group holds political power.
  • The country suffered for decades under minority rule.
• "Minority report": A report, especially in a formal committee, that presents the conclusions and opinions of the members who disagree with the majority.
  • The senator issued a passionate minority report dissenting from the committee's findings.

Học thuật

Noun

1. any age prior to the legal age
2. being or relating to the smaller in number of two parts
   • when the vote was taken they were in the minority
   • he held a minority position
3. a group of people who differ racially or politically from a larger group of which it is a part

Từ đồng nghĩa

• nonage