Pronunciation

/ˈmaɪˌnɔːrəti/

Definitions

• Noun: A smaller number or amount; a group that is smaller than and often outnumbered by a larger group which it is being compared to, especially when referring to a segment of the population based on factors like race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, or disability status. This can also refer to the status of such a group within society or politics.

Example Sentence:

• The minority community has been advocating for better representation in local government.
• Women are still a minority in top leadership positions across many industries.

Phrases:

• “Minority group”: A social group that is smaller than and distinct from the dominant group within a society.
• “Protect the rights of minorities”: To ensure that the rights and interests of smaller, less powerful groups are safeguarded.
• “In the minority”: Being one of the fewer number of people holding a particular view or opinion.

Example Sentences

• As a minority shareholder, he doesn’t have much influence over company decisions.
• They belong to a religious minority in the country.

Synonyms

• Smaller part
• Less numerous group
• Underrepresented group
• Disadvantaged group
• Non-dominant group
• Marginalized group

Other Usages

• Adjective: Describing the state of being a minority. For instance: “minority-owned businesses” (referring to businesses owned by members of a minority group).
• Political sense: The party or group with fewer seats or votes in a legislative body. Example: “The opposition forms the minority in the Senate.”

Note: While ‘minority’ primarily functions as a noun, its usage can extend to adjective form when describing nouns related to group status or numbers. It does not function as a verb or other parts of speech typically.