majority
UK: məˈdʒɒrəti | US: məˈdʒɔːrəti
n. the greater number or part; more than half of a total
n. the age at which a person legally becomes an adult
n. (in elections) the difference in votes between the winning candidate and the runner-up
majority = major<greater> + ity<noun suffix>
- major (from Latin maior, comparative of magnus "great")
- ity (noun-forming suffix indicating state or condition, from Latin -itas)
Etymology Origin:
The word "majority" traces back to Latin maioritas, derived from maior ("greater"). It entered Middle English via Old French majorité, originally denoting superiority in age or rank. By the 16th century, it evolved to mean "the greater number" in quantitative contexts. The legal sense (age of adulthood) emerged from the idea of "greater maturity." The suffix -ity solidifies its abstract noun form, typical in English for states or conditions (e.g., "equality," "minority").
The majority of voters supported the new policy.
She inherited the estate after reaching the age of majority.
The bill passed with a narrow majority of five votes.
In biology, the majority of species remain undiscovered.
His argument appealed to the majority opinion in the group.