consensus
kuhn-SEN-suhs
/kənˈsɛnsəs/
General agreement among a group of people.
Consensus implies a broad agreement, not necessarily unanimity, but enough support that all members can accept the decision, even if it wasn't their first choice.
The story behind the word. The word 'consensus' comes from the Latin `consentire`, meaning 'to feel together' or 'to agree.' It's formed from the prefix `con-` ('with' or 'together') and `sentire` ('to feel' or 'to perceive'). So, when a group reaches a consensus, they are literally 'feeling together' on an issue, even if individual feelings might vary slightly.
Word relationships
- agreement: More general term, can be between two parties or a group.
- accord: Often used in formal or international contexts.
- harmony: Implies a state of agreement and peace, less about a specific decision.
- disagreement: Lack of agreement.
- dissent: Strong disagreement, often expressed publicly.
- discord: Lack of harmony or agreement, often leading to conflict.
Commonly confused with
- unanimous: Unanimous means everyone agrees; consensus means general agreement, where some might still have reservations but can live with the decision.
Collocations
- reach a consensus
- build consensus
- general consensus
- broad consensus
- lack of consensus
Example sentences
- "Achieving a `consensus` among all stakeholders was challenging, but ultimately led to a stronger, more widely supported plan." After hours of discussion, the team finally reached a consensus on the project's direction.
- "The scientific `consensus` on the efficacy of vaccines is overwhelming." There is a growing consensus that climate change is a serious threat. (General scientific discourse)
Memory hook
When everyone 'SENSES' the same thing, you have a 'CONSENSUS'. Sense together
When not to use
Do not use 'consensus' if there is significant disagreement or if a decision is forced upon a group.
Fun facts
- The term 'consensus democracy' refers to a political system that emphasizes broad agreement among parties, rather than simple majority rule.
- In some cultures, achieving consensus is a highly valued decision-making process, seen as more stable and inclusive than simple voting.
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 → Conflict Resolution
- Leadership → Negotiation & Compromise
- Relationships → Peer Pressure & Conformity
- Conflict → Compromise & Concession
- Economic Theory & Analysis → Cryptoeconomics
- Environmental Policy & Sustainability Economics → International Environmental Accords
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