consensus
kuhn-SEHN-suhs
Consensus (noun) means General agreement reached among the members of a group, usually after discussion. Example: “The neighbours reached a consensus about where to put the new bench.”
noun
1
General agreement reached among the members of a group, usually after discussion.
"The neighbours reached a consensus about where to put the new bench."
"The committee reached a consensus after a long debate."
"There is broad scientific consensus that the treatment is safe."
verb
1
To work toward or reach general agreement through discussion.
"After talking it through, the group consensused on a plan."
"We need to consensus on a date before sending out invitations."
"The board members consensused on a new budget over two meetings."
How to use consensus
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMost or all people in a group agreeing on something.
Common mistake
Consensus already means general agreement, so "general consensus" is technically redundant, though it is extremely common in everyday use.
Common pairings
reach a consensus
general consensus
scientific consensus
consensus view
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Word forms
- Plural
- consensuses
- Third person singular
- consensuses
- Past tense
- consensused
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The neighbours reached a _____ about where to put the new bench.
Etymology
From Latin consensus, "agreement," from consentire, "to feel together" — the same root as consent.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for consensus
See all rhymes for consensus →Frequently asked questions
What does “consensus” mean?
The word “consensus” means general agreement reached among the members of a group, usually after discussion. In plain terms, most or all people in a group agreeing on something.
How do you pronounce “consensus”?
“Consensus” is pronounced kuhn-SEHN-suhs (/kənˈsɛnsəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “consensus” in a sentence?
Here is “consensus” used in a sentence: “The committee reached a consensus after a long debate.”
What is the opposite of “consensus”?
The opposite of “consensus” — its antonyms — is dissensus.
What part of speech is “consensus”?
Depending on how it is used, “consensus” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “consensus” come from?
The word “consensus” comes from Latin. From Latin consensus, "agreement," from consentire, "to feel together" — the same root as consent.
Is “consensus” a common word?
“Consensus” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “consensus” have?
“Consensus” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: general agreement reached among the members of a group, usually after discussion.
What is the difference between consensus and a majority vote?
Consensus is general agreement reached among the members of a group, usually after discussion, so that the group as a whole can support a decision. A majority vote only requires more than half to agree and can leave a sizeable minority opposed, whereas consensus aims for broad, shared acceptance.
What is the difference between consensus and unanimity?
Consensus means general agreement that most or all members can accept and support, even if it is not everyone's first choice. Unanimity is stricter and requires that every single member agrees completely, with no dissent at all.
Is it correct to say 'general consensus'?
The phrase 'general consensus' is very common but is often criticised as redundant, because consensus already means general agreement. In careful or formal writing, 'consensus' alone is usually preferred.
