consensus

[kuhn-sen-suhs]

noun

plural

consensuses 

1. majority of opinion.

   The consensus of the group was that they should meet twice a month.

2. general agreement or concord; harmony.

consensus

/ kənˈsɛnsəs /

noun

1. general or widespread agreement (esp in the phrase consensus of opinion )

Usage

Many say that the phrase consensus of opinion is redundant and hence should be avoided: The committee's statement represented a consensus of opinion. The expression is redundant, however, only if consensus is taken in the sense “majority of opinion” rather than in its equally valid and earlier sense “general agreement or concord.” Criticism of consensus of opinion has been so persistent and widespread that the phrase, even though in common use, occurs only infrequently in edited formal writing. The phrase general consensus is objected to for similar reasons. Consensus is now widely used attributively, especially in the phrase consensus politics.

Since consensus refers to a collective opinion, the words of opinion in the phrase consensus of opinion are redundant and should therefore be avoided

Word History and Origins

Origin of consensus¹

First recorded in 1850–55; from Latin, from consentīre “to be in agreement, share a feeling,” from con- con- + sentīre “to feel” ( sense )

Word History and Origins

Origin of consensus¹

C19: from Latin, from consentīre to feel together, agree; see _consent

Example Sentences

The new rules for dealing with shortages must be adopted before the end of 2026, and federal officials have given the states “several milestones” in developing a consensus in the coming months, Hamby said.

From Los Angeles Times

However, the political consensus on net zero has since fragmented.

From BBC

There was consensus on some issues - that in taking on Nigel Farage, Labour should not "ape" Reform but there was a different emphasis from each candidate on what the Labour government had got wrong.

From BBC

He then went on to reject the widespread medical consensus about childhood vaccines, offering “advice” that will only lead to children unnecessarily getting measles, rubella, and hepatitis B.

From Salon

The prime minister's position is also, frankly, protected by the fact there is no consensus about who could do a better job than him.

From BBC

Related Words

• accord 
• consent 
• harmony 
• unanimity 
• unity