Majority: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'majority' to refer to more than half of a group or total, especially in voting contexts or simple counts.

• The majority of people voted in favor of the new policy.
• She won the election with a clear majority.

Use 'plurality' when a number of votes, shares, or other quantities is the largest single portion but not an absolute majority. Commonly used in electoral contexts.

• He won the election by a plurality, not a majority, meaning more people voted for him than for any other candidate, but not over half the voters.

Use 'dominance' when describing control, power, or influence over others. This word often has a strong or negative connotation.

• The company's dominance in the market is worrying its competitors.
• His dominance on the field made him an essential player.

Use 'preponderance' to indicate something is greater in size, number, weight, or importance. This often appears in more formal or statistical contexts.

• The lawyer argued that there was a preponderance of evidence against the defendant.
• There is a preponderance of birds in this area during the migration season.

Used to refer to the age at which a person is considered legally an adult and responsible for their actions. Can also mean the greater part or most of something.

• She reached the majority last year and can now vote.
• The majority of the committee voted in favor of the proposal.

Used to describe the state or condition of being an adult. This term is more general and does not necessarily relate to legal standing.

• Transitioning from childhood to adulthood can be challenging.
• With adulthood comes a range of responsibilities.

Used to refer to the state of being fully developed in body or mind, often implying emotional or intellectual growth. This term can also refer to the time when something is due or ready, like a financial instrument.

• Her maturity was evident in the way she handled the situation.
• The bond will reach maturity in five years.

Refers specifically to the legally defined age at which a person is allowed to engage in certain activities, such as voting, drinking, or signing contracts.

• In many countries, the legal age for drinking alcohol is 18.
• He had to wait until he reached the legal age to get his driver's license.

Used when referring to more than half of a group or a set of items. Commonly used in formal contexts like voting, decision-making, or statistics.

• The majority of the committee voted in favor of the proposal.
• She won the election by a large majority.

Used when indicating almost all or the largest extent of something. It is more general and can be used in various contexts, both formal and informal.

• Most people enjoy a good meal.
• She spent most of her salary on rent.

Refers to the largest part or most of something. It often relates to the amount or volume of physical items and has a somewhat informal tone.

• The bulk of the shipment arrived yesterday.
• He spends the bulk of his time working on his research.

Used in more formal contexts to indicate a greater quantitative presence or influence. Often used in legal, academic, or technical discussions.

• There is a preponderance of evidence against the defendant.
• The preponderance of data supports the new theory.