consensus
kun-SEN-sus
/kənˈsensəs/
A general agreement reached by a group as a whole.
Implies broad, collective agreement and shared feeling, rather than a simple majority vote.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'con-' (together) and 'sentire' (to feel, think). Literally, consensus is 'feeling together'—when a group's minds and emotions are in harmony.
Word relationships
- unanimity: Unanimity means 100% total agreement by everyone, while consensus means general, broad agreement that everyone can support, even if not their first choice.
- dissension: Dissension is widespread disagreement or discord within a group.
Commonly confused with
- census: A census is an official count of a population, while a consensus is a general agreement among people.
Word family
- consensual (adjective): Existing or made by mutual consent.
Collocations
- reach a consensus
- general consensus
- build consensus
Example sentences
- "The board of directors reached a consensus on the new corporate strategy." Corporate Governance
- "There is a broad scientific consensus that human activity is driving climate change." Scientific Community
Memory hook
Consensus: 'Con' (together) + 'sense' (feeling/thinking). Sensing the same way together. Sensing together.
When not to use
Do not say 'consensus of opinion' as it is technically redundant (consensus already means collective opinion).
Fun facts
- In consensus decision-making, participants don't just vote 'yes' or 'no'; they can 'stand aside' (meaning they don't fully agree but won't block the decision) to help the group move forward.
Related words
Explore more words
Agreement, concurrence, concur, consent, groupthink, concerted
Also appears in
- Communication → Agreements & Affirmations
- Leadership → Collaboration & Teamwork
- Leadership → Decision Making & Decisiveness
- Leadership → Negotiation & Compromise
- Relationships → Peer Pressure & Conformity
- Conflict → Compromise & Concession
- Economic Theory & Analysis → Cryptoeconomics
- Environmental Policy & Sustainability Economics → International Environmental Accords
- Work & Office Life → Meetings & Conferences
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