minority
UK: maɪˈnɒrɪti | US: maɪˈnɔːrəti
n. the smaller number or part, especially when less than half of a whole
n. a group of people differing racially, ethnically, or religiously from a larger population
n. the state or period of being under the legal age of adulthood
minority = minor<smaller, lesser> + ity<noun suffix>
- minor: From Latin minor ("less, smaller"), comparative of parvus ("small"). Retains the core meaning of "lesser" in modern usage.
- ity: A noun-forming suffix from Latin -itas, indicating a state or condition.
Etymology Origin:
The word "minority" traces back to Latin minor (comparative of "small") and the suffix -itas, which together denote "the state of being smaller." Initially used in numerical contexts (e.g., "the smaller group"), it later expanded to describe marginalized groups (18th century) and legal age status (19th century). The evolution reflects a shift from quantitative to qualitative and social dimensions.
The proposal was rejected because only a minority of voters supported it.
The government introduced policies to protect the rights of ethnic minorities.
She inherited the estate while still in her minority.
Minority opinions are often overlooked in decision-making processes.
The study focused on health disparities among minority populations.