pluralism

noun

plu·​ral·​ism ˈplu̇r-ə-ˌli-zəm 

1

: the holding of two or more offices or positions (such 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 and develop their traditional culture or special interest within the confines of a common civilization

b

: a concept, doctrine, or policy advocating this state

pluralist

ˈplu̇r-ə-list 

adjective or noun

pluralistic

ˌplu̇r-ə-ˈli-stik 

adjective

pluralistically

ˌplu̇r-ə-ˈli-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of pluralism in a Sentence

He spoke of the benefits of cultural pluralism.

She's a champion of pluralism.

Recent Examples on the Web

Even if young voters are not paying especially close attention to immigration six months before the election, pluralism is a defining value of this generation. —Daniel Cox, TIME, 13 June 2024

Different flags, flown by different neighbors, symbolize pluralism — our commitment to let people choose their loyalties. —Joe Mathews, The Mercury News, 8 June 2024

The first scenario—a doubtful one—is the emergence of a Mexico that prizes debate based on fact, maintains civilian rule, solves problems through legislation, embraces pluralism instead of polarization, confronts historic inequalities, and does all this within a framework of consensual rules. —Denise Dresser, Foreign Affairs, 17 May 2024

But if Hinduism is intrinsic to the Bollywood machinery, so, of course, is Khan — and the country’s many Muslim superstars and invisible artisans, past and present: a signifier of the essential pluralism beneath the country’s majoritarianism. —Mallika Rao, Vulture, 8 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1772, in the meaning defined at sense 1