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majority

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //məˈdʒɔɹəti// UK //mədʒˈɒɹɪtˌi// ma·jor·i·ty Archaic General-service

n. more than half of a group of people or things. You use this when you want to talk about the largest part of a total amount.

n. the greater number or part; a number or percentage equaling more than half of a total. Often used to describe the winning side in a vote or election.


SIMPLE

The majority of the students passed the exam.

CONTEXTUAL

The committee reached a decision because the majority of members voted in favor of the new policy.

COMPLEX

While the majority of the population supported the infrastructure project, a vocal minority raised significant concerns regarding its long-term environmental impact on the local wetlands.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle French maiorité, from Medieval Latin maiōritātem, accusative of Latin maiōritās, from Latin maior (“greater”). Morphologically major + -ity.

Usage

When followed by 'of' and a plural noun, it usually takes a plural verb in British English, though singular is common in American English.

Pitfall

The most of people agreeThe majority of people agreeLearners often confuse 'the majority of' with 'most' or 'the most'; 'most' does not take an article when used as a determiner.

Idioms2 entries

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