Main Entry: plu·ral·ism

Pronunciation: \ˈplu̇r-ə-ˌli-zəm\

Function: noun

Date: 1818

1 : the holding of two or more offices or positions (as benefices) at the same time
2 : the quality or state of being plural
3 a : a theory that there are more than one or more than two kinds of ultimate reality b : a theory that reality is composed of a plurality of entities
4 a : a state of society in which members of diverse ethnic, racial, religious, or social groups maintain an autonomous participation in and development of their traditional culture or special interest within the confines of a common civilization b : a concept, doctrine, or policy advocating this state

— plu·ral·ist \-list\ adjective or noun

— plu·ral·is·tic \ˌplu̇r-ə-ˈlis-tik\ adjective

— plu·ral·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb