pluralistic

American  

[ploor-uh-lis-tik] / ˌplʊər əˈlɪs tɪk /

adjective

1. Philosophy. of or relating to pluralism, the theory that there is more than one basic substance or principle.

   A pluralistic account of the nature of truth needs to look at truth in a specific domain, as opposed to what constitutes truth per se.

2. Sociology. of or relating to cultural pluralism, the doctrine that society benefits from minority groups participating fully in the dominant society while maintaining their cultural differences.

   The building of pluralistic and democratic societies relies on creating spaces within which respectful and purposeful intercultural and interreligious dialogues can take place.

3. allowing for different ideas, methods, etc., or made up of differing elements.

   The school encourages pluralistic approaches to learning, allowing individuals to follow their own personal strengths and learning styles.

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Other Word Forms

• nonpluralistic adjective
• pluralistically adverb
• unpluralistic adjective

Etymology

Origin of pluralistic

pluralist + -ic

Explanation

Anything pluralistic involves a diversity of different ideas or people. A pluralistic society is a diverse one, where the people in it believe all kinds of different things and tolerate each other’s beliefs even when they don’t match their own. You know how the plural form of a word means there's more than one of something? Similarly, pluralistic ideas are about embracing more than one group of people, ideas, or religions. A pluralistic approach to politics embraces many different philosophies, such as capitalism and socialism. A pluralistic society accepts many different sorts of people, from different races, sexual orientations, cultures, and religions. Pluralistic ideas are part of a philosophy known as pluralism.

Example Sentences

Laws should “serve and support a pluralistic society,” she said.

From Salon • Nov. 11, 2025

All of this assumes that America continues to protect its pluralistic society that honors individual sovereignty in all respects.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 25, 2025

Sotomayor takes the pluralistic, melting-pot approach to neutrality, writing that public schools “offer to children of all faiths and backgrounds an education and an opportunity to practice living in our multicultural society.”

From Slate • Jul. 9, 2025

"As members of a democratic, pluralistic society, the MJC remains steadfast in advocating for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, even amidst divergent views," it said.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2025

This type of phenomenon has been described in the psychological literature as pluralistic ignorance, in which people misjudge the norm.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander