Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Minority
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 majorityWebster 1828 Edition
Minority
MINOR'ITY
,Noun.
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)
- 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.
- 2011, Norman Davies, Vanished Kingdoms, Penguin 2012, p. 117:
- Any subgroup that does not form a numerical majority. [from 18th c.]
- Most people agreed, but a sizable minority were upset by the decision.
- (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.
- (US) A member of an ethnic minority. [from 20th c.]
- The company claims it has hired several minorities since the complaint was lodged.
Synonyms
- (youth): childhood
Antonyms
Derived terms
Terms derived from minority
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Related terms
Terms etymologically related to minority
Translations
subgroup that does not form a numerical majority
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member of an ethnic minority
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period or condition of a person prior to reaching adulthood
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