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: girlhood, boyhood, childhood

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

3. 1. the state of being a minor

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

4. (modifier) relating to or being a minority

   a minority interest

   a minority opinion

Other Word Forms

• nonminority adjective
• prominority adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of minority¹

First recorded in 1450–1500; late Middle English, from Middle French minorité, from Medieval Latin minōritāt-, stem of minōritās; minor, -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of minority¹

C16: from Medieval Latin minōritās, from Latin _minor

Example Sentences

The BBC is using an alias because her family belongs to an ethnic and religious minority group facing persecution in Afghanistan.

From BBC

In return for supporting a minority coalition government they have seen much of their anti-migration platform shape government policy.

From BBC

He also called on "minority groups" to "come together and make sure we are ready together to challenge Reform and the rise of the far right".

From BBC

Boam, 22, was one of 25 Reform councillors elected to Leicestershire County Council in May, allowing it to form a minority administration.

From BBC

However, United's data analysis, something minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been determined to significantly improve, pointed at someone who warranted closer attention.

From BBC

Related Words

• opposition