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

But the judges ruled RE was not taught in "an objective, critical, and pluralistic manner," and that could amount to "indoctrination".

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2026

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

As with so-called Asian Americans, the Latino voting bloc is far more pluralistic than consultants and candidates often perceive it to be.

From Slate • Feb. 24, 2025

Grappling with differences is the beating heart of a pluralistic society.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 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