consensus

[kuhn-sen-suhs]

noun

plural

consensuses 

1. majority of opinion.

   The consensus of the group was that they should meet twice a month.

2. general agreement or concord; harmony.

consensus

/ kənˈsɛnsəs /

noun

1. general or widespread agreement (esp in the phrase consensus of opinion )

Usage

Since consensus refers to a collective opinion, the words of opinion in the phrase consensus of opinion are redundant and should therefore be avoided

Many say that the phrase consensus of opinion is redundant and hence should be avoided: The committee's statement represented a consensus of opinion. The expression is redundant, however, only if consensus is taken in the sense “majority of opinion” rather than in its equally valid and earlier sense “general agreement or concord.” Criticism of consensus of opinion has been so persistent and widespread that the phrase, even though in common use, occurs only infrequently in edited formal writing. The phrase general consensus is objected to for similar reasons. Consensus is now widely used attributively, especially in the phrase consensus politics.

Word History and Origins

Origin of consensus¹

First recorded in 1850–55; from Latin, from consentīre “to be in agreement, share a feeling,” from con- con- + sentīre “to feel” ( sense )

Word History and Origins

Origin of consensus¹

C19: from Latin, from consentīre to feel together, agree; see _consent

Example Sentences

In a political climate where every cultural figure can become instantly polarizing, Oasis’ reunion was the closest thing the U.K. got to a national consensus.

From Los Angeles Times

By Monday, a consensus had formed that most of the information was already publicly available or of little interest.

From BBC

The review also makes clear that given the difference of opinion between unionist and nationalist parties on any changes, Lord Murphy was unable to make some recommendations as they did not have cross-party consensus.

From BBC

The consensus is that, like last time, Democrats will end up caving in the end.

From Salon

While a reduction to the T20 Blast was agreed in August, consensus on the future of the Championship has been harder to find.

From BBC

Related Words

• accord 
• consent 
• harmony 
• unanimity 
• unity