plurality: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Legal/Political
Quick answer
What does “plurality” mean?
The state of being more than one.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The state of being more than one; a large number of different things or people.
In specific contexts, it refers to the number of votes cast for a candidate who receives more than any other but does not achieve an absolute majority, or to a system of society containing diverse groups who maintain their distinct identities.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly used in American English in the political sense ("plurality of votes"). In British English, the term "relative majority" is often used in this context, though "plurality" is understood.
Connotations
In AmE, has a strong, neutral technical connotation in electoral contexts. In BrE, may sound slightly more academic or American-influenced when used politically.
Frequency
Higher frequency in AmE overall due to its entrenched use in political and legal discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “plurality” in a Sentence
a plurality of + [plural noun]the plurality is/arewin/secure/gain a pluralityVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “plurality” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A (The adjective is 'plural')
American English
- N/A (The adjective is 'plural')
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in HR/management: 'A plurality of approaches was considered for the merger.'
Academic
Common in sociology, political science, and philosophy: 'The study acknowledges the plurality of modern identities.'
Everyday
Uncommon. Might be used for emphasis: 'A plurality of factors led to my decision.'
Technical
Core use in political/electoral systems: 'The candidate won with a 48% plurality.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “plurality”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “plurality”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “plurality”
- Using 'plurality' interchangeably with 'majority' (a majority is >50%; a plurality is simply the largest share).
- Using a singular verb with 'a plurality of [noun]' (e.g., 'A plurality of voters *are* dissatisfied' is correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'majority' means more than 50% (an absolute majority). A 'plurality' means the largest number among several options, but still less than 50% (a relative majority).
No. The correct adjective form is 'plural' (e.g., plural societies). 'Plurality' is exclusively a noun.
Not particularly. It is most common in formal, academic, and especially American political/legal discourse. In everyday talk, people might use 'most' or 'the largest number' instead.
It takes a plural verb, as it refers to multiple entities. Example: 'A plurality of voters are undecided.'
The state of being more than one.
Plurality is usually formal, academic, legal/political in register.
Plurality: in British English it is pronounced /plʊəˈræl.ə.ti/, and in American English it is pronounced /plʊˈræl.ə.t̬i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to the word itself.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'PLURAL' + 'ITY' -> the state of being plural, or more than one. In an election, if no one gets over 50% (a majority), the person with the *most* votes (the biggest plural number) has a 'plurality'.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY IS A MOSAIC (for the sociological sense); WINNING IS HAVING THE BIGGEST PILE (for the electoral sense).
Practice
Quiz
In a political context, what does 'plurality' specifically mean?