Dictionary
minority
noun, mi·nor·i·ty often attributive \mə-ˈnȯr-ə-tē, mī-, -ˈnär-\
: a number or amount that is less than half of a total
: the group that is the smaller part of a larger group
: a group of people who are different from the larger group in a country, area, etc., in some way (such as race or religion)
plural mi·nor·i·ties
Full Definition of MINORITY
1
a : the period before attainment of majority b : the state of being a legal minor
2
: the smaller in number of two groups constituting a whole; specifically : a group having less than the number of votes necessary for control
3
a : a part of a population differing from others in some characteristics and often subjected to differential treatment b : a member of a minority group <an effort to hire more minorities>
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First Known Use of MINORITY
15th century
Related to MINORITY
- Synonyms
- adolescence, nonage
Other Sociology Terms
MINORITY Defined for Kids
minority
noun mi·nor·i·ty \mə-ˈnȯr-ə-tē\
plural mi·nor·i·ties
Definition of MINORITY for Kids
1
: the state of not being old enough to have the full rights of an adult
2
: a number less than half of a total <The proposal is opposed by a minority of voters.>
3
: a group that makes up a smaller part of a larger group <The animals affected are a minority.>
4
: a part of a population that is in some ways (as in race or religion) different from others
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