Consensus Meaning
/kənˈsɛnsəs/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA process of decision-making that seeks widespread agreement among group members.
nounGeneral agreement among the members of a given group or community, each member of which exercises some discretion in decision-making and follow-up action.
Sentence Examples
The consensus indicates that we are opposed to the proposed idea.
The people did not reach consensus on taxation.
She is skilled at achieving consensus on sensitive issues.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The committee reached a ____ after hours of debate over the budget.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
After hours of intense debate, the jury completely failed to reach a clear and unanimous ____.
Word Origin & History
Borrowed from Latin cōnsēnsus (“agreement, accordance, unanimity”), from cōnsentiō (“feel together; agree”); see consent.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"I think we are a strongly consensused society. There was a consensus during the 1950's, the Eisenhower years, in our society. Then in the 1960's came a period of division."
— 1975, United States Bureau of the Census, The Census Bureau, page 168:
"None of this consensusing was done with the Manual. There were no national workshops, forums, etc."
— 1992, United States House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Subcommittee on Environment, The Science of Wetland Definition and Delineation: Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Environment of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, U.S. House of Representatives, One Hundred Second Congress, First Session, November 12, 1991, page 185:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
The committee reached a ____ after hours of debate over the budget.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
After hours of intense debate, the jury completely failed to reach a clear and unanimous ____.