What does "pluralism" mean?
The quality or state of being plural, or in the plural number.
Pluralism
noun
noun ·4 syllables ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The quality or state of being plural, or in the plural number.
- Grammar: pluralism is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: a certain number, a few, admixture, alloyage.
- Useful contrasts: autocratic regime, cultural homogeneity, dominant authority over students.
- Usage evidence: Pluralism is a political philosophy.
How to use "pluralism"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "pluralism" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
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- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "pluralism" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "pluralism" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The quality or state of being plural, or in the plural number. countable, uncountable
"Polytheism was inherently tolerant of the worship of many gods, because no single god was thought to control all the phenomena that are vital for human life. The gods were believed to tolerate this pluralism, and several could be worshiped in the same sanctuary or addressed in the same prayer."
- 2 the practice of one person holding more than one benefice at a time wordnet
- 3 The state of a pluralist; the holding of more than one ecclesiastical living at a time. countable, uncountable
- 4 the doctrine that reality consists of several basic substances or elements wordnet
- 5 A social system that permits smaller groups within a society to maintain their individual cultural identities. countable, uncountable
"Instead, it is more probable that globalization is leading to a plurality of pluralisms."
Show 6 more definitions
- 6 a social organization in which diversity of racial or religious or ethnic or cultural groups is tolerated wordnet
- 7 The belief that there should be diverse and competing centers of power in society. countable, uncountable
- 8 The acknowledgement of a diversity of political systems. countable, uncountable
- 9 The existence of differing legal systems in a population or area. countable, uncountable
- 10 The belief that values can be simultaneously antagonistic and incommensurable. countable, uncountable
"Due to pluralism and conflicts within the good itself, such perfection, for Berlin, is not possible. A compromise does not bring us closer to a higher telos in history."
- 11 The belief that a plural predicate refers to its individuals rather than to a collective. countable, uncountable
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"Pluralism is a political philosophy."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "pluralism"?
Common synonyms include: a certain number, a few, admixture, alloyage, amalgamation, atomism.
How do you use "pluralism" in a sentence?
Pluralism is a political philosophy.
Etymology
From plural + -ism.