minority

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

noun

, plural mi·nor·i·ties.

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 opinion

   a minority interest

Other Words From

• non·mi·nor·i·ty adjective
• pro·mi·nor·i·ty 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

A statistical minority of voters consistently elect our presidents.

From Salon

The SNP is in power as a minority administration after a power-sharing agreement with the Greens collapsed in April.

From BBC

Mine is probably a minority opinion, I know, but it’s still a free country.

From Los Angeles Times

In particular, Mr Rangarajan said he was concerned at unacceptable levels of intimidation and harassment directed at women and candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds.

From BBC

"At the University of Edinburgh students who come from middle to lower socioeconomic backgrounds are in a minority," it said.

From BBC

Related Words

• opposition