minority

 
Pronunciation: /mʌɪˈnɒrɪti, mɪ-/

noun (plural minorities)

  • 1the smaller number or part, especially a number or part representing less than half of the whole: only a minority of properties are rented those who acknowledge his influence are in the minority [as modifier]: a minority party
  • the number of votes cast for or by the smaller party in a legislative assembly: a blocking minority of 23 votes
  • a small group of people within a community or country, differing from the main population in race, religion, language, or political persuasion: ethnic minorities [as modifier]: minority rights
  • 2 [mass noun] the state or period of being under the age of full legal responsibility: intrigues between factions striving to make the king their puppet continued throughout his minority

Phrases

be (or find oneself) in a minority of one

often humorous be the sole person to hold a particular view: once again, Britain is in a minority of one within the EC

Origin:

late 15th century (in minority (sense 2)): from French minorité or medieval Latin minoritas, from Latin minor 'smaller' (see minor)