minority

mi-nor-i-ty · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The smaller number or part; a number or amount that is less than half of the total.

  2. 2.

    A relatively small group of people differing from others in race, religion, language, or political persuasion.

  3. 3.

    The state or period of being a minor (under legal age).

Forms

plural: minorities

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    minority group — a group forming less than half of a population
  • •
    minority government — a government without a legislative majority
  • •
    minority rights — the rights of minority groups
  • •
    be in the minority — to be among the smaller group

Related words

Antonyms: majority
See also: major, majority, minor
Synonyms: smaller group, smaller number

Etymology

From Medieval Latin minoritas, from Latin minor ("smaller, less"). Entered English in the 16th century, originally referring to the state of being under legal age.