Consensus Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ค
consensus
[kษnหsษnsษs ]
Definitions
general agreement
Consensus is a general agreement among a group of people. It is the collective opinion or position reached by a group as a whole. Consensus is often achieved through discussion, compromise, and negotiation.
Synonyms
accord, agreement, harmony, unanimity.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| consensus |
Used when there is general or widespread agreement among a group of people, often in discussions or decision-making processes.
|
| agreement |
A general term for any situation where two or more parties reach a common understanding or decision, can be formal or informal.
|
| unanimity |
Used when there is total agreement and everyone involved in the decision agrees completely, emphasizing the lack of any dissenting opinions.
|
| harmony |
Refers to a state of peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding, often used in social, familial, or musical contexts.
|
| accord |
Typically used in formal or diplomatic contexts to describe an official agreement between parties, often countries or organizations.
|
Examples of usage
- The board members reached a consensus on the new policy.
- After much debate, they finally came to a consensus.
- The team worked together to find a consensus on the best approach.
- We need to reach a consensus before making a decision.
majority opinion
Consensus can also refer to the majority opinion or agreement within a group. It is the prevailing view that most members of a group agree with.
Synonyms
majority opinion, popular opinion, prevailing view.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| consensus |
Used when a general agreement among a group or community is reached after discussion. Often used in formal or professional settings.
|
| majority opinion |
Used to describe the opinion held by more than half of the group. It is often used in legal, voting, or decision-making contexts.
|
| popular opinion |
Used to refer to the views or beliefs held by the general public. It is often used in the context of societal trends or public sentiment.
|
| prevailing view |
Used to describe the most widely accepted or dominant perspective at a specific time, often in academic, scientific, or cultural discussions.
|
Examples of usage
- Although there were differing opinions, the consensus was clear.
- The consensus among the team members favored option A.
- The survey results showed a strong consensus on the issue.
- Consensus is important for making collective decisions.
politics
In politics, consensus often refers to an agreement reached by different parties or factions. It is a compromise or understanding that allows for cooperation and progress.
Synonyms
agreement, compromise, cooperation, understanding.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| consensus |
Used when there is a general agreement among a group, typically after discussion or debate.
|
| compromise |
Used when two opposing sides make concessions to find a middle ground.
|
| cooperation |
Used when people work together towards a common goal, often implying a spirit of teamwork.
|
| agreement |
Used when two or more parties come to a mutual understanding or decision, often formalized.
|
| understanding |
Used when there is a mutual comprehension or a shared knowledge about a situation, sometimes used in informal agreements.
|
Examples of usage
- The coalition government was formed based on consensus among the parties.
- Consensus politics aims to find common ground and build cooperation.
- Negotiations are ongoing to reach a consensus on the new legislation.
- Consensus building is essential for effective governance.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Politics
- In governance, reaching consensus can help avoid conflicts and make decision-making smoother.
- It's often used in democratic settings where diverse viewpoints need consideration.
- Consensus decision-making focuses on finding solutions acceptable to all parties involved, rather than majority rule.
Psychology
- People tend to conform to group consensus due to social pressure, a behavior known as groupthink.
- A shared consensus can foster a sense of belonging and community among individuals.
- Research shows that groups with diverse opinions often generate stronger consensus decisions.
Business
- In team environments, developing a consensus can enhance collaboration and productivity.
- Certain organizational models, like holacracy, emphasize reaching consensus over traditional management hierarchies.
- Consultative selling techniques often leverage consensus in negotiations to align interests.
Philosophy
- Some ethical theories, such as contractarianism, are built on the idea of consensus among rational agents.
- Philosophers like John Rawls advocate for establishing principles based on consensus to ensure fairness.
- Consensus theory in sociology examines how social groups achieve agreement and what that means for social order.
Origin of 'consensus'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'consensus', meaning 'agreement' or 'consent'.
- It is composed of 'con-' meaning 'together' and 'sentire', meaning 'to feel or think'.
- The term gained popularity in English in the mid-19th century, particularly in political and social contexts.
The word 'consensus' originated from the Latin word 'consensus', which means agreement or harmony. It has been used in English since the mid-17th century. The concept of consensus has been important in various fields such as politics, decision-making, and social interactions, emphasizing the value of collective agreement and cooperation.
See also: consent, consenting.