MAJORITY


Meaning of MAJORITY in English

noun

1

DUBIOUS : The majority of houses in Germany have fitted carpets.

GOOD : Most houses in Germany have fitted carpets.

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The majority of (= more than half) is usually used in formal styles: 'The majority of the government voted against the bill.'

In other styles most (= nearly all) usually sounds more natural: 'Most people have never even heard of him.'

2

BAD : The majority of motorists is opposed to the scheme.

GOOD : The majority of motorists are opposed to the scheme.

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the majority + singular/plural verb: 'The majority is/are in favour of abolishing the death penalty.'

the majority of + plural count noun + plural verb: 'The majority of voters are in favour of abolishing the death penalty.'

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