plurality
ploo-RAL-uh-tee
/plʊəˈræləti/
The receiving of the largest number of votes in an election, but not necessarily an absolute majority (more than 50%).
A crucial distinction in political science: a candidate with 40% wins a plurality if opponents get 35% and 25%, but lacks a majority.
The story behind the word. From Latin plus (meaning 'more'). In ecclesiastical law, holding a 'plurality' meant holding more than one benefice or church office at once. By the 19th century, American political science adopted the word specifically for receiving 'more' votes than anyone else without hitting 50%.
Word relationships
- relative majority: 'Relative majority' is the term often used in Europe for having the most votes without reaching an absolute majority.
- absolute majority: An absolute majority requires strictly more than 50% of total votes cast.
Commonly confused with
- majority: A majority requires strictly more than 50%, whereas a plurality only requires more votes than any single rival.
Word family
- plural (adjective): Denoting more than one.
- pluralism (noun): A political system recognizing multiple diverse groups.
Collocations
- win a plurality
- plurality of votes
- plurality system
- simple plurality
Example sentences
- "Because four candidates split the ballot, the mayor won office with a plurality of just thirty-nine percent of the total vote." Multi-candidate election analysis
- "In a divided electorate, winning a simple plurality is often enough to secure a legislative seat under first-past-the-post rules." Electoral system mechanics
Memory hook
PLURAL candidates split the vote, so you win with just the MOST votes, not MOST OF ALL votes! Most votes wins, even under 50%.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'majority' when a candidate has secured more than half of all total votes cast.
Fun facts
- In British electoral terminology, a plurality is often referred to as a 'relative majority', whereas in American English it is strictly called a 'plurality'.
Related words
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