consensus
A consensus is a general agreement reached by a group of people as a whole. It describes a situation where all members of a group are willing to support a decision or opinion, even if it is not everyone's first choice.
Examples
3 of 5After a long discussion, our family finally reached a consensus on which movie to watch.
After a long discussion, our family finally reached a consensus on which movie to watch.
The committee worked for hours to build a consensus on the new environmental policy.
The committee worked for hours to build a consensus on the new environmental policy.
Is there a consensus on where we’re grabbing lunch today?
Is there a consensus on where we’re grabbing lunch today?
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'Con' (together) + 'Sense' (feel/think). It literally means 'thinking or feeling together'.
Quick Quiz
The members of the jury were unable to reach a ______ regarding the defendant's guilt.
Correct!
The correct answer is: consensus
Examples
After a long discussion, our family finally reached a consensus on which movie to watch.
everydayAfter a long discussion, our family finally reached a consensus on which movie to watch.
The committee worked for hours to build a consensus on the new environmental policy.
formalThe committee worked for hours to build a consensus on the new environmental policy.
Is there a consensus on where we’re grabbing lunch today?
informalIs there a consensus on where we’re grabbing lunch today?
Scientific consensus suggests that global temperatures are rising due to human activity.
academicScientific consensus suggests that global temperatures are rising due to human activity.
The board reached a consensus regarding the merger after reviewing the financial reports.
businessThe board reached a consensus regarding the merger after reviewing the financial reports.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
by consensus
by consensus
the emerging consensus
the emerging consensus
seek a consensus
seek a consensus
Often Confused With
A 'census' is an official count of a population, while 'consensus' is a general agreement.
A 'conscience' is an inner feeling of right and wrong, unrelated to group agreement.
Usage Notes
The word is almost always used with the verbs 'reach', 'build', or 'achieve'. It implies a process of discussion where multiple viewpoints are considered.
Common Mistakes
Avoid saying 'consensus of opinion' because consensus already implies an opinion; it is considered redundant.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Con' (together) + 'Sense' (feel/think). It literally means 'thinking or feeling together'.
Word Origin
From the Latin 'consensus', the past participle of 'consentire', which means 'to feel together' or 'to agree'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many Western business and political cultures, consensus-building is a valued leadership skill aimed at ensuring all stakeholders feel heard.
Quick Quiz
The members of the jury were unable to reach a ______ regarding the defendant's guilt.
Correct!
The correct answer is: consensus
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
subsupertion
C1Describing a state, process, or entity that exists across or connects both subordinate and superior levels within a hierarchical system. It refers to the intersectional quality of elements that influence both the foundational and the overarching structures of an organization or concept.
multiphobfy
C1A psychological state characterized by the convergence and compounding of multiple distinct phobias into a single, pervasive condition. It refers to the complex interplay where various irrational fears amplify each other, often leading to total cognitive paralysis.
adnavant
C1Describing something that is moving forward or situated in a leading, proactive position within a sequence or system. It is often used in technical or formal contexts to denote a state of advancement or a strategic frontward placement.
uniscendure
C1To integrate multiple complex systems or disparate elements into a single, cohesive, and simplified path of operation. It describes the act of unifying various components while simultaneously grounding them into a more accessible or fundamental structure.
enalterion
C1Describes a state, condition, or pattern that occurs in a sequence of alternating or recurring stages. It is typically used in technical, medical, or formal contexts to characterize systems that shift between two or more distinct modes.
superloqucide
C1Describing a person or style of communication that is so excessively talkative it effectively 'kills' the conversation or prevents others from participating. It refers to a level of verbosity that dominates and stifles any potential for balanced dialogue.
circumuniery
C1The state or act of encircling a single, central point or unity. It describes a structural or conceptual arrangement where all elements are oriented toward a one-point focus or central core.
bigravive
C1Describes a state or entity influenced by two distinct centers of gravity or significant forces. It is typically used to characterize situations where two powerful, often opposing, pressures exert equal pull on an individual or system.
contraclamly
C1A rare adjective describing a state of being quietly defiant or stubbornly silent in direct opposition to public noise or popular outcry. It characterizes an individual or attitude that uses composed silence as a strategic tool to resist external pressure or chaos.
univadacy
C1To unify or standardize disparate elements, systems, or ideas into a single, cohesive framework. This verb is primarily used in specialized technical or administrative contexts to describe the process of achieving total systemic consistency.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free