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Webster 1913 Edition

Plurality

Plu-ral′i-ty

,
Noun.
;
pl.
pluralities
(#)
.
[L.
pluralitas
: cf. F.
pluralité
.]
1.
The state of being plural, or consisting of more than one; a number consisting of two or more of the same kind;
as, a
plurality
of worlds; the
plurality
of a verb.
2.
The greater number; a majority; also, the greatest of several numbers; in elections, the excess of the votes given for one candidate over those given for another, or for any other, candidate. When there are more than two candidates, the one who receives the plurality of votes may have less than a majority. See
Majority
.
Take the
plurality
of the world, and they are neither wise nor good.
L’Estrange.
3.
(Eccl.)
See
Plurality of benefices
, below.
Plurality of benefices
(Eccl.)
,
the possession by one clergyman of more than one benefice or living. Each benefice thus held is called a plurality.
[Eng.]

Webster 1828 Edition

Plurality

PLURAL'ITY

,
Noun.
[L. pluralis.]
1.
A number consisting of two or more of the same kind; as a plurality of gods; a plurality of worlds.
2.
A state of being or having a greater number.
3.
In elections, a plurality of votes is when one candidate has more votes than any other, but less than half of the whole number of votes given. It is thus distinguished from a majority, which is more than half of the whole number.
4.
Plurality of benefices, is where the same clerk is possessed of more benefices than one, with cure of souls. In this case, each benefice thus held is called a plurality.

Definition 2024

plurality

plurality

English

Noun

plurality ‎(countable and uncountable, plural pluralities)

  1. (uncountable) The state of being plural.
  2. (ecclesiastical) The holding of multiple benefices.
    • 1644, John Milton, Aeropagitica:
      It was the complaint and lamentation of Prelats, upon every least breath of a motion to remove pluralities, and distribute more equally Church revennu's, that then all learning would be for ever dasht and discourag'd.
  3. (countable) A state of being numerous.
  4. (countable) A number or part of a whole which is greater than any other number or part, but not necessarily a majority.
  5. (countable) A number of votes for a single candidate or position which is greater than the number of votes gained by any other single candidate or position voted for, but which is less than a majority of valid votes cast.
    • 1977 September 8, "Crime against clarity", editorial, Bangor Daily News, page 14 :
      To repeal the tax (Question I), a 50 per cent majority vote is required. To keep the tax in its 1976 form (Question III), only a plurality of votes is required.
  6. (countable) A margin by which a number exceeds another number, especially of votes.
    • 1948 December 10, "President Race Ignored by 683,382 Voters", The Deseret News, page A-2 :
      Truman's total vote was 24,104,836. Dewey received 21,969,500; […] . Truman won by a plurality of 2,135,336, but it was the first time since 1916 that a winner has failed to capture a majority of all votes cast.
  7. (countable) A group of many entities: a large number.
    A plurality of ideas were put forth at the meeting, most of which were rejected out of hand.
  8. (countable) A group composed of more than one entity.
    • 1989, United States Patent 5065364, abstract:
      The array is organized into a plurality of vertical (column) blocks.
  9. (of spouses) Polygamy.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Translations

Etymology

Middle English, from Old French pluralité ‎(“multitude, state of being plural”), from Latin plūrālitās.

Pronunciation

  • Rhymes: -ælɪti

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