consensus

[ kuhn-sen-suhs ]

noun

, plural con·sen·sus·es.

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 Note

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.

Usage

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

For the first time, nearly all UN member states committed themselves to cutting greenhouse gas emissions, based on a scientific consensus that human-made CO2 was driving global warming.

From BBC

He imposed his will using a transactional style of diplomacy and the muscle of American power, even when it meant defying international consensus and brushing aside Palestinian concerns.

From Los Angeles Times

"There was no consensus on this issue," Democratic Representative Susan Wild told reporters, adding that a vote had been taken but the bipartisan committee remained split along party lines.

From BBC

“Now really is the time for the basin states and tribes to redouble their work toward a consensus alternative.”

From Los Angeles Times

Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson on Tuesday declined to say that it would be part of the rules package, telling reporters that lawmakers would seek consensus as they approach the "unprecedented" issue.

From BBC

Related Words

• accord
• consent
• harmony
• unanimity
• unity