noun
minority
my-NOR-uh-tee/maɪˈnɔːrəti/
A smaller or less powerful group within a larger population.
The two yellow counters form a minority among the blue ones.
Etymology
Minor plus the state-forming ending originally meant the condition of being smaller. The word then came to name the smaller number or part itself, including the smaller division of a population.
In context
Around 50% of Nigeria's population adheres to the faith which is an essential part of Nigeria's social fabric. However, in Makoko, a tiny minority follows Islam.
More examples
- A minority opposed the plan.
- Several minorities lacked representation.
- She belonged to the voting minority.
Forms
minority · minorities
Similar words
- subgroup
- Any part of a group, not necessarily less powerful.
- majority
- The larger part rather than the smaller.