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consensus

kun-SEN-sus /kənˈsɛnsəs/

nounC1GREGMATIELTS

formalpoliticalacademic

A general agreement; the opinion or position reached by a group as a whole.

Consensus does not necessarily mean 100% agreement, but rather that no party has a strong enough objection to block the decision.

The story behind the word. From 'con' (together) and 'sentire' (to feel). It literally means 'feeling together.' It suggests that the group is in emotional and intellectual harmony.

Word relationships

unanimity: Unanimity means everyone agrees 100%; consensus means the group as a whole accepts the decision.
accord: Accord is the agreement itself; consensus is the process or state of reaching it.

dissent: The expression or holding of opinions at variance with those previously or commonly held.
disagreement: Lack of consensus.

Commonly confused with

census: A census is an official count of a population; a consensus is an agreement.

Word family

consensual (adjective): Relating to or involving consent or consensus.

Collocations

reach a consensus
broad consensus
scientific consensus
lack of consensus

Example sentences

"There is a broad scientific consensus that human activity is the primary driver of current global warming." Scientific findings.
"The committee struggled to reach a consensus on the wording of the final resolution." Diplomatic negotiations.

Memory hook

Consensus is when the 'Con' (group) 'Senses' (feels) the same way. Feeling together.

When not to use

Don't use it to mean a simple majority vote; it implies a broader, more harmonious agreement.

Fun facts

In many international bodies, decisions are made by consensus to avoid the divisiveness of a vote.