Definition

Adjective: 1. Relating to or advocating for a system or society in which multiple distinct groups, beliefs, or values coexist and participate: Describes a condition where diversity is recognized and accommodated, rather than suppressed by a single, dominant culture or ideology. 2. Relating to the philosophical doctrine of pluralism: Pertaining to the view that there is more than one basic substance, principle, or reality, or that no single explanatory system can account for all phenomena.

Usage and Examples

• Describing a society or culture:
  • The country has a pluralistic society that celebrates its many ethnic traditions.
  • A pluralistic approach to education values diverse perspectives and teaching methods.
• Describing a philosophical or theoretical stance:
  • His pluralistic worldview rejects the idea of a single universal truth.
  • The debate centered on monistic versus pluralistic interpretations of the universe.

Advanced Usage

• Pluralistic ignorance: A social phenomenon where most members of a group privately reject a norm but incorrectly believe that most others accept it, leading to the norm's perpetuation.
  • Pluralistic ignorance can explain why unpopular social customs sometimes persist for so long.

Variants and Related Words

• Pluralism (noun): The state or condition of being pluralistic; the doctrine that reality consists of several basic substances or elements.
  • Cultural pluralism is a cornerstone of the nation's identity.
• Pluralist (noun/adjective): A person who advocates for a pluralistic system; relating to pluralists or pluralism.
  • She is a noted pluralist in political theory.

Synonyms

• Diverse
• Multicultural
• Heterogeneous
• Inclusive

Antonyms

• Monolithic
• Homogeneous
• Hegemonic
• Uniform

Adjective

1. of or relating to the philosophical doctrine of pluralism
   • a pluralistic culture