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

South Korea hosted the Summit for Democracy earlier this year, a confab that was supposed to demonstrate how a state previously run by military officers could transform itself into a beacon of pluralism. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024

Doing so would reinforce Africa’s greatest political strength: its vibrant—and, yes, noisy and messy—pluralism. —Jason K. Stearns, Foreign Affairs, 19 Apr. 2022

This unconventional column is based on value pluralism — the idea that each of us has multiple values that are equally valid but that often conflict with each other. —Sigal Samuel, Vox, 18 Nov. 2024

This assertion of white Christian entitlement and chosen-ness is toxic to the values of pluralism and equality on which democracy depends. —Robert P. Jones, TIME, 10 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1772, in the meaning defined at sense 1