ENGLISH
REFERENCE

minority

n. · adj.
US //maɪˈnɔɹəti// UK //maɪnˈɒɹɪti// mi·nor·i·ty
  1. 1 smaller part of a group (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a part of a group that is less than half of the total number.

    a numerical subgroup that constitutes less than half of the total population or sample.

    Example

    Only a small minority of students disagreed with the new school rules.

    Example

    While the proposal had significant support, a vocal minority of shareholders expressed concerns regarding the long-term debt implications.
  2. 2 ethnic or social group (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Sociology

    a group of people who have a different race, religion, or culture from most other people in a country.

    a demographic group that is differentiated from the social majority by race, religion, or ethnicity, often facing systemic disadvantage.

    Example

    The government is working to protect the rights of every ethnic minority in the country.

    Example

    The study examines how minority communities maintain their cultural heritage while navigating the pressures of the dominant social landscape.
    • marginalised group
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  1. 3 legal childhood (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal Technical Law

    the time in your life before you are legally an adult.

    the state or period of being a legal minor, prior to reaching the age of majority.

    Example

    The prince inherited the throne during his minority, so his mother ruled for him.

    Example

    The legal documents were held in a trust that would remain active throughout the heir's minority until he reached the age of twenty-one.
  2. 4 relating to a minority (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Politics

    describing something that belongs to or represents a smaller group.

    pertaining to or representing a numerical minority, often used in political contexts.

    Example

    The party formed a minority government because they did not have enough seats to rule alone.

    Example

    The coalition struggled to pass legislation as a minority administration, requiring constant negotiation with independent members of parliament.
Origin

From Late Middle English minoritie, from Middle French minorité, and its source Late Latin minōritās, from Latin minor. Morphologically minor + -ity.

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