pluralistic

[ploor-uh-lis-tik]

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.

Other Word Forms

• pluralistically adverb
• nonpluralistic adjective
• unpluralistic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pluralistic¹

pluralist + -ic

Example Sentences

Their goal is to dismantle America’s multiracial, pluralistic democracy and replace it with a permanent right-wing regime.

From Salon

The administration’s attempts to end multiracial pluralistic democracy is accelerating with little effective resistance from civil society or the mass public.

From Salon

He is advancing a revolutionary project to end multiracial pluralistic democracy.

From Salon

The proposed Trump Derangement Syndrome law in Minnesota is an example of how the Trump administration and its allies’ war on multiracial, pluralistic democracy and society is national.

From Salon

New York and New England went on to become competing centers of power and ideology: one pluralistic and globally-minded; the other moralistic, monocultural and, well, puritanical.

From Salon