Reading Theme:
Minority: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：small distinct group (minority)
minority
/maɪˈnɒrəti/
n.
A small group of people within a community who are different from most others in some way, like culture, race, or opinion.
small distinct group
➕
/smɔːl dɪˈstɪŋkt ɡruːp/
n.
Refers to a smaller subset within a larger population that is distinguished by characteristics such as ethnicity, culture, religion, or political belief.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'minor' (smaller, less) + noun suffix '-ity' indicating state or condition.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'minor' inside 'majority' – it's the smaller part.
📖 Example
The new policy aims to protect the rights of every minority group in our city.
The new regulation is designed to safeguard the rights of all distinct minority communities in our urban area.
🔗 Collocations
ethnic minority – a group differentiated by common national or cultural traditions
minority rights – the individual and collective rights of minority groups
minority opinion – a view or judgment held by a smaller number of people
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
majority (n.) – the greater number or part; more than half
mainstream (n.) – the ideas, attitudes, or activities that are regarded as normal or conventional
🌱 Derivatives
minor (adj.) – lesser in importance, seriousness, or significance
📖 Cultural Story
The term originates from the Latin 'minor', meaning 'smaller'. In modern democratic contexts, it often describes the smaller group in a vote ('the minority opinion') or legally protected groups ('ethnic minority rights').
Meaning 2：smaller number/part (minority)
minority
/maɪˈnɒrəti/
n.
The smaller number or part of something, less than half.
smaller number/part
➕
/ˈsmɔːlə ˈnʌmbə pɑːt/
n.
Denotes the smaller number or portion of a total, specifically less than half of a whole.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Only a minority of the class voted for a picnic, so we're going to the museum instead.
Just a smaller part of the students in the class chose the picnic option, resulting in the museum trip being selected.
🔗 Collocations
minority vote – votes cast by the smaller part of a decision-making body
in the minority – constituting or belonging to the smaller number or part
minority shareholder – an owner of less than 50% of a company's shares
🔄 Synonyms
few (n.) – a small number of people or things
lesser part (n.) – the smaller section of a whole
handful (n.) – a small number or amount
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
minor (n.) – a person under the age of full legal responsibility
Wordbook
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