plurality
/pluə'ræliti/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- (In an election with more than two options) The number of votes for the candidate or party receiving the greatest number, but less than half of the total votes. This describes a specific electoral outcome where no single option achieves an absolute majority.
- A large indefinite number; a multitude. This refers to a considerable but unspecified quantity of things or people.
- The state of being plural. This is the grammatical or conceptual condition of involving more than one.
Examples of Usage
Noun (Electoral):
- The mayor won the election with a plurality of 40% of the vote.
- In a crowded field of candidates, a simple plurality is often enough to secure victory.
Noun (Large Number):
- A plurality of opinions was expressed during the town hall meeting.
- The internet offers a plurality of sources for news and information.
Noun (State of Being Plural):
- The linguistic concept of plurality is expressed differently across languages.
- The plurality of cultural identities in the city makes it a vibrant place.
Advanced Usage
"Plurality of opinions": A wide range of differing views.
- The committee's decision reflected a plurality of opinions from its members.
"Plurality voting system": An electoral system where the candidate with the most votes wins, even without a majority.
- Many local elections in the United States use a plurality voting system.
Variants and Related Words
- Plural (adj/n): More than one in number. (e.g., )
- Pluralism (n): A condition or system in which multiple distinct groups, principles, or sources of authority coexist. (e.g., )
- Pluralistic (adj): Relating to or advocating for pluralism. (e.g., )
Synonyms
- For "large number": Multitude, host, array, profusion.
- For "greatest number (in votes)": Relative majority, first-past-the-post win.
- For "state of being plural": Multiplicity.
Related Phrases
- "Win by a plurality": To win an election by having the most votes, but not more than half.
- The senator won by a plurality after the vote was split among three strong candidates.
Related Idioms
- "A plurality of voices": Often used to describe a situation where many different perspectives or groups are represented and heard.
- A healthy democracy depends on a plurality of voices in the public square.
Noun
- (in an election with more than 2 options) the number of votes for the candidate or party receiving the greatest number (but less that half of the votes)
- a large indefinite number
- a battalion of ants
- a multitude of TV antennas
- a plurality of religions
- the state of being plural
- to mark plurality, one language may add an extra syllable to the word whereas another may simply change the vowel in the existing final syllable