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

Example Sentences

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

The internet, as currently constructed, is not an adequate substitute for robust and pluralistic news media.

From Salon • Mar. 4, 2025

It could settle down into a successful, pluralistic nation, bucking the trend of other revolutions in the region.

From BBC • Dec. 31, 2024

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