Definitions for Minoritymɪˈnɔr ɪ ti, -ˈnɒr-, maɪ-

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Random House Webster's College Dictionary

mi•nor•i•tymɪˈnɔr ɪ ti, -ˈnɒr-, maɪ-(n.; adj.)(pl.)-ties

  1. (n.)the smaller part or number; a number, part, or amount forming less than half of the whole.

  2. a smaller group opposed to a majority.

    Category: Government

  3. Also called minor′ity group`. a group differing, esp. in race, religion, or ethnic background, from the majority of a population.

    Category: Sociology

  4. a member of such a group.

    Category: Sociology

  5. the state or period of being under full legal age.

  6. (adj.)of or pertaining to a minority.

    Category: Sociology

Origin of minority:

1525–35; < ML minōritās. See minor , -ity

Princeton's WordNet

  1. minority(noun)

    a group of people who differ racially or politically from a larger group of which it is a part

  2. minority(noun)

    being or relating to the smaller in number of two parts

    "when the vote was taken they were in the minority"; "he held a minority position"

  3. minority, nonage(noun)

    any age prior to the legal age

Kernerman English Learner's Dictionary

  1. minority(noun)ɪˈnɔr ɪ ti, -ˈnɒr-, maɪ-

    ≠ majority

    Non-religious students were in the minority in the class.; a bacteria found in a minority of patients

  2. minorityɪˈnɔr ɪ ti, -ˈnɒr-, maɪ-

    a group within a society that is different because of race, ethnicity, religion, etc.

    ethnic/religious/racial minorities; loans to help minorities

Wiktionary

  1. minority(Noun)

    Any subgroup that does not form a numerical majority.

    Most people agreed, but a sizable minority were upset by the decision.

  2. minority(Noun)

    Empowered by or representing a minority (usually a plurality) of votes cast, legislative seats, &c., rather than an outright majority thereof.

  3. minority(Noun)

    A member of an ethnic minority.

    The company claims it has hired several minorities since the complaint was lodged.

  4. minority(Noun)

    Youth; period or condition of a person prior to reaching adulthood.

Webster Dictionary

  1. Minority

    the state of being a minor, or under age

  2. Minority

    state of being less or small

  3. Minority

    the smaller number; -- opposed to majority; as, the minority must be ruled by the majority


Translations for Minority

Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary

minority(noun)

a small number; less than half

Only a minority of people live in the countryside; a racial/political minority.

Get even more translations for Minority »


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