majority

More than half of the people or things in a group.

• The majority of people agreed.
• A large majority voted for the change.
• Are women the majority in your class?

How to use it: a/the majority of something (The majority of students live nearby.)

Similar words: greater part

Opposites: minority

Common phrases: the majority, large majority, majority vote, majority of people

The number of seats by which the governing party or group exceeds its opponents in a lawmaking body.

• The party has a narrow majority.
• Their majority fell to just two seats.
• The government lost its parliamentary majority after several members resigned.

How to use it: a majority of + number (The government has a majority of eight seats.)

Similar words: seat advantage

Common phrases: narrow majority, parliamentary majority, working majority, majority of three

The position or rank of an army officer called a major.

• The officer received a majority.
• He obtained his majority after years of service.
• A vacant majority in the regiment attracted several experienced captains.

Common phrases: receive a majority, obtain a majority, a vacant majority