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consensus

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consensus

Main Entry:: con·sen·sus
Pronunciation:: \kən-ˈsen(t)-səs\
Function:: noun
Usage:: often attributive
Etymology:: Latin, from consentire
Date:: 1843

1 a: general agreement : unanimity <the consensus of their opinion, based on reports…from the border — John Hersey> b: the judgment arrived at by most of those concerned <the consensus was to go ahead>2: group solidarity in sentiment and belief

usage The phrase consensus of opinion, which is not actually redundant (see sense 1a; the sense that takes the phrase is slightly older), has been so often claimed to be a redundancy that many writers avoid it. You are safe in using consensus alone when it is clear you mean consensus of opinion, and most writers in fact do so.

Learn more about "consensus" and related topics at Britannica.com

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