plurality

Plural: pluralities

Noun

• the state of being plural
  • "to mark plurality, one language may add an extra syllable to the word whereas another may simply change the vowel in the existing final syllable"
• a large indefinite number
  • "a plurality of religions"
• (in an election with more than 2 options) the number of votes for the candidate or party receiving the greatest number (but less that half of the votes)
• The state of being plural.
• The holding of multiple benefices.
• A state of being numerous.
• A number or part of a whole which is greater than any other number or part, but not necessarily a majority.
• 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.
• A margin by which a number exceeds another number, especially of votes.
• A group of many entities: a large number.
• A group composed of more than one entity.
• Polygamy.
• Synonym of multiplicity (“the condition whereby a person displays or experiences multiple distinct personalities or selves in one body”).

Examples

• A plurality of ideas were put forth at the meeting, most of which were rejected out of hand.

Synonyms

battalion, large number, multitude, pack, relative majority, multiplicity, pluralism

Antonyms

singularity