noun

pluralism

PLOOR-uh-liz-uhm

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Pluralism (noun) means a social system in which smaller groups within a wider society are free to keep their own distinct cultural identities. Example: “The city's food markets reflect its pluralism, with stalls run by dozens of different communities.”

noun

A social system in which smaller groups within a wider society are free to keep their own distinct cultural identities.

"The city's food markets reflect its pluralism, with stalls run by dozens of different communities."

"Schools in the region teach pluralism by celebrating several languages and traditions side by side."

"Critics argue that true pluralism means protecting minority customs, not just tolerating them."

The political belief that power in society should be shared among several competing groups rather than held by one.

"The senator campaigned on a message of pluralism, warning against power collecting in too few hands."

"Political pluralism relies on many parties and interest groups being able to compete openly."

"The new constitution was designed to encourage pluralism rather than a single dominant faction."

How to use pluralism

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishPluralism means letting different groups keep their own identity and share power, rather than one group dominating everyone else.

When to use it

Pluralism is a formal word, common in political, sociological and academic writing rather than everyday conversation.

Memory tip

Link it to plural: pluralism is about many groups existing and being valued side by side, not one single group taking over.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

cultural pluralism political pluralism religious pluralism embrace pluralism a system of pluralism

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The city's food markets reflect its _____, with stalls run by dozens of different communities.

Etymology

Pluralism was formed within English itself, by attaching the suffix -ism, which turns a word into the name of a belief, system or condition, onto plural. It therefore literally names the state or quality of being plural.

Origin: English

Rhymes for pluralism

realism fatalism idealism globalism socialism vandalism federalism radicalism capitalism liberalism surrealism journalism

See all rhymes for pluralism →

Frequently asked questions

What does pluralism mean in society?

It describes a society in which different groups are able to keep their own cultural identities rather than being absorbed into one dominant culture.

What is political pluralism?

It is the belief that political power should be spread across several competing groups or parties instead of being concentrated in one place.

Is pluralism the same as diversity?

They overlap but are not identical: diversity describes the presence of different groups, while pluralism describes a system that actively lets those groups keep their distinct identities and compete or coexist.

What is the meaning of pluralism?

"pluralism" (noun) means a social system in which smaller groups within a wider society are free to keep their own distinct cultural identities.