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Webster 1913 Edition


Minority

Mi-nor′i-ty

,
Noun.
;
pl.
Minorities
(#)
.
[Cf. F.
minorité
. See
Minor
,
Adj.
&
Noun.
]
1.
The state of being a minor, or under age.
2.
State of being less or small.
[Obs.]
Sir T. Browne.
3.
The smaller number; – opposed to
majority
;
as, the
minority
must be ruled by the majority
.

Webster 1828 Edition


Minority

MINOR'ITY

,
Noun.
[L. minor.]
1.
The state of being under age. [See Minor.]
2.
The smaller number; as the minority of the senate or house of representatives; opposed to majority. We say, the minority was large or small; AB was in the minority; the minority must be ruled by the majority.

Definition 2024


minority

minority

English

Noun

minority (plural minorities)

  1. The state of being a minor; youth, the period of a person's life prior to reaching adulthood. [from 15th c.]
    • 2011, Norman Davies, Vanished Kingdoms, Penguin 2012, p. 117:
      She also played a key role as dowager-regent during the minority of her son.
  2. Any subgroup that does not form a numerical majority. [from 18th c.]
    Most people agreed, but a sizable minority were upset by the decision.
  3. (politics, used attributively of a party, government, etc.) Empowered by or representing a minority (usually a plurality) of votes cast, legislative seats, etc., rather than an outright majority thereof.
  4. (US) A member of an ethnic minority. [from 20th c.]
    The company claims it has hired several minorities since the complaint was lodged.

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