B2 verb Neutral

consensus

/kənˈsɛnsəs/

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 5
1

After 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.

2

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.

3

Is there a consensus on where we’re grabbing lunch today?

Is there a consensus on where we’re grabbing lunch today?

Word Family

Noun
consensus
Verb
consent
Adverb
consensually
Adjective
consensual
Related
consent
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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

1

After a long discussion, our family finally reached a consensus on which movie to watch.

everyday

After a long discussion, our family finally reached a consensus on which movie to watch.

2

The committee worked for hours to build a consensus on the new environmental policy.

formal

The committee worked for hours to build a consensus on the new environmental policy.

3

Is there a consensus on where we’re grabbing lunch today?

informal

Is there a consensus on where we’re grabbing lunch today?

4

Scientific consensus suggests that global temperatures are rising due to human activity.

academic

Scientific consensus suggests that global temperatures are rising due to human activity.

5

The board reached a consensus regarding the merger after reviewing the financial reports.

business

The board reached a consensus regarding the merger after reviewing the financial reports.

Word Family

Noun
consensus
Verb
consent
Adverb
consensually
Adjective
consensual
Related
consent

Common Collocations

reach a consensus reach a consensus
broad consensus broad consensus
general consensus general consensus
build consensus build consensus
lack of consensus lack of consensus

Common Phrases

by consensus

by consensus

the emerging consensus

the emerging consensus

seek a consensus

seek a consensus

Often Confused With

consensus vs census

A 'census' is an official count of a population, while 'consensus' is a general agreement.

consensus vs conscience

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

Usually used as a singular noun (a consensus). Followed by the preposition 'on' or 'about' (consensus on a topic). Can be used as an uncountable noun in some contexts.
🌍

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 Words

subsupertion

C1

Describing 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

C1

A 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

C1

Describing 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

C1

To 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

C1

Describes 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

C1

Describing 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

C1

The 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

C1

Describes 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

C1

A 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

C1

To 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.

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