What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Plurality vs Pluralistic - What's the difference?

plurality | pluralistic |

As a noun plurality

is the state of being plural.

As an adjective pluralistic is

characteristic of pluralism.

plurality

English

Noun

  • (uncountable) The state of being plural.
  • (ecclesiastical) The holding of multiple benefices.
  • * 1644 , (John Milton), Aeropagitica :
    • It was the complaint and lamentation of Prelats, upon every least breath of a motion to remove pluralities , and distribute more equally Church revennu's, that then all learning would be for ever dasht and discourag'd.
  • (countable) A state of being numerous.
  • (countable) A number or part of a whole which is greater than any other number or part, but not necessarily a majority.
  • (countable) 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.
  • * 1977 September 8, "Crime against clarity", editorial, , page 14 [http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=818zAAAAIBAJ&sjid=TiMIAAAAIBAJ&pg=1343,2352985]:
    • To repeal the tax (Question I), a 50 per cent majority vote is required. To keep the tax in its 1976 form (Question III), only a plurality of votes is required.
  • (countable) A margin by which a number exceeds another number, especially of votes.
  • * 1948 December 10, "President Race Ignored by 683,382 Voters", , page A-2 [http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=acQcAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ulcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6598,2141245]:
    • Truman's total vote was 24,104,836. Dewey received 21,969,500;. Truman won by a plurality of 2,135,336, but it was the first time since 1916 that a winner has failed to capture a majority of all votes cast.
  • (countable) A group of many entities: a large number.
    • A plurality of ideas were put forth at the meeting, most of which were rejected out of hand.
  • (countable) A group composed of more than one entity.
  • * 1989 , United States Patent 5065364, abstract:
    • The array is organized into a plurality of vertical (column) blocks.
  • (of spouses) polygamy.

    • Synonyms

    * (state of being numerous) multiplicity * relative majority, simple majority * (ecclesiastical) pluralism

    Antonyms

    * singularity * absolute majority

    pluralistic

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Characteristic of pluralism.