plurality
n. C / Un. the state of having many different parts, ideas, or groups within one system. It can also mean the largest number of votes in an election, even if it is not more than half.
n. the state of being plural or numerous; in political contexts, the largest number of votes cast for a candidate that does not constitute an absolute majority.
The city is known for its plurality of cultures.
The candidate won the seat with a plurality of the vote, though two other parties split the remaining sixty percent.
Modern psychological theories often embrace a plurality of perspectives, acknowledging that no single framework can fully account for the complexities of human cognition and behavior.
From plural + -ity, from Middle English pluralite, from Old French pluralité (“multitude, state of being plural”), from Latin plūrālitās.
Often used with 'of' to describe a variety of things ('a plurality of views'). In North American English, it specifically distinguishes the most votes from a 'majority' (more than 50%).
He won by a majority of 40%.He won by a plurality of 40%.A majority requires more than 50%; if a candidate has the most votes but less than half, the correct term is plurality.