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View synonyms for minority

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
    1. the state of being a minor
    2. the period during which a person is below legal age Compare majority
  3. modifier relating to or being a minority

    a minority opinion

    a minority interest



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Other Words From

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

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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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of minority1

C16: from Medieval Latin minōritās, from Latin minor

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Example Sentences

Latinos, the fastest growing minority group in America, are even more underrepresented in Congress.

For my friend, a small minority of JSwipe matches materialized into conversations, and none have materialized into dates.

The two major complaints minority communities have against the police seem at first glance paradoxical.

Veterans are a small minority of the population, as well, serving the greater whole.

There, many minority parents supported Tom Torklarson, who favored the education reform agenda.

While the majority pulled in one way there was an active minority that wished the Nana to set up an independent kingdom.

Though that party may be a minority of the faithful few, the members are enough to continue the organization.

In regard to this question of economic condition the Minority Report took a more modest view.

The Americans had some great British leaders on their side, but they were definitely in the minority.

But the members who were disposed to let him have even half as many troops as he thought necessary were a minority.

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minoritizeminority carrier