Majority vs. Plurality: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 20, 2023
A majority refers to over half of a total, while a plurality means the largest share when no option has a majority.
Key Differences
In the realm of voting and decision-making, the terms Majority and Plurality are frequently employed. A majority denotes when more than half of a total number or amount supports or aligns with a specific choice or side. It signifies a clear endorsement from over 50% of those voting or choosing, and this majority could be by a margin of one or many.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023
On the other hand, Plurality arises when no single option secures over half the votes or selections, but one option does manage to garner more votes than any other. This is often the case in contests with multiple candidates or choices. In such scenarios, even if an option fails to attain the 50% mark, it can still boast a plurality if its tally is greater than that of any other option.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023
For example, in an election with three candidates, if Candidate A receives 40% of the votes, Candidate B receives 35%, and Candidate C secures 25%, then no candidate has a majority. However, Candidate A has a plurality because they have the most votes.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023
Understanding the distinction between Majority and Plurality is crucial, especially in democratic processes. While a majority showcases a clear mandate and predominant consensus, a plurality emphasizes that while one option might be leading, it hasn't necessarily garnered the support of over half the participants. Both concepts highlight different facets of group dynamics and decision-making.
Harlon Moss
Nov 20, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
More than half of a total.
Largest share when no option has a majority.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023
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In Elections
A candidate gets over 50% of the votes.
Candidate with most votes wins, even if it's under 50%.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023
Indication
Clear endorsement by over half the participants.
Largest share, but not necessarily the majority's endorsement.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023
Usage
Often used to make definitive decisions.
Often seen in multiple choice scenarios.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 20, 2023
Outcome
Decisive and clear-cut result.
Might result in further rounds or tiebreakers in some systems.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 20, 2023
Majority and Plurality Definitions
Majority
More than half of a total number or amount.
The majority of the audience liked the play.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 27, 2023
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Plurality
A large number of something.
A plurality of ideas was discussed in the meeting.
Sara Rehman
Oct 27, 2023
Majority
The difference between the winning vote and the rest.
The mayor won by a majority of 2,000 votes.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
Plurality
The number of votes cast for a candidate who receives more than any other but does not receive an absolute majority.
In the election, she won by a plurality.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
Majority
Superiority in number or quantity.
The majority of the islands remain uninhabited.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 27, 2023
Plurality
The fact of being numerous.
The festival celebrated the plurality of arts.
Janet White
Oct 27, 2023
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Plurality
A circumstance wherein multiple options are considered.
The plurality of choices made it hard for him to decide.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
Majority
The amount by which the greater number of votes cast, as in an election, exceeds the total number of remaining votes.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Majority
The political party, group, or faction having the most power by virtue of its larger representation or electoral strength.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Majority
(Law) The age at which a person is recognized as an adult by the law.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Majority
More than half (50%) of some group.
The majority agreed that the new proposal was the best.
Those opposing the building plans were in the majority, so the building project was canceled.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Plurality
In a contest of more than two choices, the number of votes cast for the winning choice if this number is not more than one half of the total votes cast.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Majority
The difference between the winning vote and the rest of the votes.
The winner with 53% had a 6% majority over the loser with 47%.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Plurality
The number by which the vote of the winning choice in such a contest exceeds that of the closest opponent.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Majority
(dated) Legal adulthood, age of majority.
By the time I reached my majority, I had already been around the world twice.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Majority
(UK) The office held by a member of the armed forces in the rank of major.
On receiving the news of his promotion, Charles Snodgrass said he was delighted to be entering his majority.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Majority
The greater number; more than half; as, a majority of mankind; a majority of the votes cast.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Plurality
(countable) A number or part of a whole which is greater than any other number or part, but not necessarily a majority.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Plurality
(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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Majority
The amount or number by which one aggregate exceeds all other aggregates with which it is contrasted; especially, the number by which the votes for a successful candidate exceed those for all other candidates; as, he is elected by a majority of five hundred votes. See Plurality.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Plurality
(countable) A margin by which a number exceeds another number, especially of votes.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Majority
The property resulting from being or relating to the greater in number of two parts; the main part;
The majority of his customers prefer it
The bulk of the work is finished
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Plurality
(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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Majority
The age at which a person is considered competent to manage their own affairs
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Majority
The age when a person is legally considered a full adult.
He will inherit the property when he reaches the majority.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
Plurality
(psychology) The condition of a single body/person displaying multiple distinct personas.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Majority
A group making up more than half of a larger group.
The majority of students passed the exam.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
Plurality
The state of being plural, or consisting of more than one; a number consisting of two or more of the same kind; as, a plurality of worlds; the plurality of a verb.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Plurality
The greater number; a majority; also, the greatest of several numbers; in elections, the excess of the votes given for one candidate over those given for another, or for any other, candidate. When there are more than two candidates, the one who receives the plurality of votes may have less than a majority. See Majority.
Take the plurality of the world, and they are neither wise nor good.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Plurality
The state of being plural;
To mark plurality, one language may add an extra syllable to the word whereas another may simply change the vowel in the existing final syllable
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Plurality
A large indefinite number;
A battalion of ants
A multitude of TV antennas
A plurality of religions
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Plurality
(in an election with more than 2 options) the number of votes for the candidate or party receiving the greatest number (but less that half of the votes)
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Plurality
The state of being plural.
The plurality of cultures in the city is its strength.
Janet White
Oct 27, 2023
FAQs
Can a candidate win with a plurality in elections?
Yes, a candidate can win with the most votes even if it's less than 50%.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023
Why is understanding the difference between majority and plurality important?
It's crucial for understanding election outcomes and decision-making processes in groups.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023
Is majority rule always fair?
While majority rule is a foundation of many democratic systems, it may sometimes overlook minority interests.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023
How is plurality determined?
Plurality is determined by identifying the option with the most votes, even if it's less than 50%.
Sara Rehman
Nov 20, 2023
Can there be a tie in a plurality?
Yes, two or more options can have an equal number of votes, resulting in a tie.
Sara Rehman
Nov 20, 2023
Is a majority always absolute?
No, a simple majority is over 50%, while an absolute majority considers all eligible votes.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 20, 2023
Is the term "simple majority" the same as majority?
Yes, a simple majority means more than half, similar to majority.
Sara Rehman
Nov 20, 2023
Can one candidate have both a majority and plurality?
Yes, if a candidate has over 50% of votes, they have both a majority and a plurality.
Sara Rehman
Nov 20, 2023
What does having a majority imply in an election?
It means a candidate secured over 50% of the votes.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023
Is a majority always more than 50%?
Yes, a majority always signifies more than half of a total.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023
When is plurality commonly seen?
Plurality is often seen in elections with multiple candidates where no one secures a majority.
Janet White
Nov 20, 2023
Does plurality always indicate a divided opinion?
Often, but not always. It just indicates no option secured over half the support.
Janet White
Nov 20, 2023
Is a two-thirds vote a majority?
Yes, a two-thirds vote is a type of supermajority.
Sara Rehman
Nov 20, 2023
What happens if no option achieves a majority?
The option with the most votes (plurality) might win, or further rounds of voting might be required.
Janet White
Nov 20, 2023
Are there systems that require a majority to win, not just a plurality?
Yes, some systems have runoff elections if no candidate secures a majority initially.
Janet White
Nov 20, 2023
Can a candidate with a plurality claim a clear mandate?
Not necessarily, as they didn't secure over 50% of votes.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023
In what scenarios is a supermajority required?
Supermajorities are often required for constitutional changes or significant legislative decisions.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023
Is plurality the same as relative majority?
Yes, both terms are often used interchangeably.
Sara Rehman
Nov 20, 2023
Can there be multiple pluralities in a vote?
No, only one option can have the most votes, but there can be ties.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 20, 2023
Why might some prefer a majority system over a plurality system?
A majority system can provide clearer mandates and potentially more stable governance.
Harlon Moss
Nov 20, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
