Unanimous: Definition, Examples & Usage Guide

Meaning 1：completely agreed (unanimous)

unanimous 🔊

/juːˈnænɪməs/

adj.

When every single person in a group votes for the same thing or agrees on the same decision.

Group of six people raising hands in unanimous agreement at meeting table

completely agreed 🔊

➕

/kəmˈpliːtli əˈɡriːd/

adj.

When every individual in a group votes for the same thing or agrees on the same decision, without any dissent.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：advanced

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'unanimus' (unus 'one' + animus 'mind'), meaning 'of one mind'.

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a chorus singing in perfect harmony – 'you' (yoo) + 'nanny' (nan) + 'muss' (mus) – all minds as one.

📖 Example

At dinner, my family made a unanimous decision to go to the beach for our holiday next month. 🔊 At dinner, my family made a unanimous decision to go to the beach for our holiday next month.

🔗 Collocations

unanimous agreement – Complete agreement from all parties

unanimous decision – A decision supported by everyone

unanimous vote – A vote in which every voter chooses the same option

🔄 Synonyms

consensual (adj.) – Involving general agreement or consent.

undivided (adj.) – Not split or divided; showing complete agreement.

concerted (adj.) – Jointly arranged or carried out; done together.

🚫 Antonyms

divided (adj.) – Split into opposing groups or opinions.

dissenting (adj.) – Expressing disagreement or opposition.

split (adj.) – Divided in opinion or vote.

🌱 Derivatives

unanimity (n.) – The state of being unanimous.

unanimously (adv.) – In a unanimous manner; with complete agreement.

📖 Cultural Story

The word originates from Latin 'unanimus', combining 'unus' (one) and 'animus' (mind). It entered English in the 17th century and is especially common in legal and voting contexts, where a unanimous verdict or decision requires complete agreement.