majority
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
more than half of a total number or amount.
a number or percentage equaling more than half of a total. Often used with 'of' and followed by a plural noun.
Simple“The majority of the students in the class decided to go on the field trip.”
In context“The vast majority of respondents expressed a preference for remote work, citing the lack of a commute as the primary benefit.”
UsageWhen followed by a plural noun, the verb is typically plural in British English and often singular in American English.
PitfallThe majority of the work are finished. The majority of the work is finished.When 'majority' refers to an uncountable noun like 'work', use a singular verb. Use a plural verb only when referring to a group of people or countable things.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
the number of votes or seats by which one person or party wins an election.
the margin by which a candidate or party wins an election, or the number of seats held by a government exceeding those of the opposition.
Simple“She won the local election with a majority of over two thousand votes.”
In context“The government's slim majority made it difficult to pass controversial legislation without the support of smaller parties.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
the age when a person is legally considered an adult.
the status or age of legal adulthood, at which a person becomes legally responsible for their own actions.
Simple“In many countries, young people reach their majority at the age of eighteen.”
In context“Upon attaining his majority, the heir was finally granted full control over the family estate and its various investments.”
UsageCommonly used in the phrase 'attain one's majority' or 'age of majority'.
From Middle French maiorité, from Medieval Latin maiōritātem, accusative of Latin maiōritās, from Latin maior (“greater”). Morphologically major + -ity.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.