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View synonyms for

minority

[mahy-nawr-i-tee, -nor, mi-]

noun

plural

minorities 
  1. the smaller part or number; a number, part, or amount forming less than half of the whole.

  2. a smaller party or group opposed to a majority, as in voting or other action.

  3. a group in society distinguished from, and less dominant than, the more numerous majority.

    The ethnic minority was disproportionately affected by the reduction in preventative medical services.

  4. a racial, ethnic, religious, or social subdivision of a society that is subordinated in political, financial, or social power by the dominant group, without regard to the size of these groups.

    legislation aimed at providing equal rights for minorities.

  5. a member of such a group.

  6. the state or period of being under the legal age of full responsibility.

    Synonyms: , ,


adjective

  1. of or relating to a minority.

minority

/ mɪ-, maɪˈnɒrɪtɪ /

noun

  1. the smaller in number of two parts, factions, or groups

  2. a group that is different racially, politically, etc, from a larger group of which it is a part

    1. the state of being a minor

    2. the period during which a person is below legal age Compare majority

  3. (modifier) relating to or being a minority

    a minority interest

    a minority opinion

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • nonminority adjective
  • prominority adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of minority1

First recorded in 1450–1500; late Middle English, from Middle French Դǰé, from Medieval Latin ō-, stem of ō; minor, -ity
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Word History and Origins

Origin of minority1

C16: from Medieval Latin ō, from Latin minor
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Speaking at the anti-racism rally at Belfast City Hall, Nathalie Donnelly from trade union Unison said she had colleagues from ethnic minority backgrounds who were terrified and "basically hiding at home".

From

Many Iranians are unhappy with the state of the economy, the lack of freedom of speech, women's rights, and minority rights.

From

Latinos are now the largest minority group in the U.S., a plurality in California and nearly a majority in L.A. and L.A.

From

Some staff groups at the council, where Reform formed a minority administration following May's local elections, raised concerns about the move.

From

Police have described the disorder as "racist thuggery, pure and simple" and targeted at ethnic minorities and law enforcement.

From

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minoritizeminority carrier