noun

minority

meye-NOR-ih-tee

noun

A smaller part of a larger group, especially as a proportion of votes, opinions, or numbers.

"Only a minority of voters supported the proposal."

A group of people distinguished by ethnicity, religion, or other traits, who make up a smaller and often disadvantaged part of a larger society.

"The organization advocates for the rights of ethnic minorities."

adj

Relating to, or held by, a smaller group rather than the majority.

"It was a minority opinion within the committee."

How to Use Minority

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe smaller part of a group, or a group that is smaller and often marginalized within a wider population.

Easily confused with

majority →

Common pairings

ethnic minority minority group in the minority

more minority comparative, minorities plural, most minority superlative

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Only a _____ of voters supported the proposal.

From Middle French minorité, tracing to Late Latin minoritas, built on the Latin root minor, "lesser."

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