minority etymology

Etymology

The word "minority" comes from the Latin word "minōritās," which means "smallness or inferiority." It is derived from the adjective "minor," meaning "lesser" or "younger."

Meaning

A minority is a group of people who differ from the main population in terms of race, ethnicity, religion, language, or other characteristics. Minorities may experience discrimination or prejudice due to their differences.

Origin

The concept of a minority has existed throughout history. In ancient Greece, the term "metics" referred to non-citizens who lived in Athens. In ancient Rome, the term "peregrinus" referred to non-Romans who were subject to Roman law.

In the United States, the term "minority" has been used since the 18th century to refer to non-white groups. The term was first used in a legal context to describe Native Americans and African Americans. In the 20th century, the term began to be used more broadly to refer to any group that is not part of the majority.

Today, the term "minority" is used in many different contexts. It can refer to a racial or ethnic minority, a religious minority, a linguistic minority, or any other group that is different from the main population.

minority relate terms

• minor

  Etymology The word minor originates from the comparative form of the Latin adjective

• minor

  Etymology The word minor originates from the comparative form of the Latin adjective

• majority

  Etymology The word majority comes from the Latin major meaning greater or senior

• majority

  Etymology The word majority comes from the Latin major meaning greater or senior

• Menshevik

  Etymology The term Menshevik is derived from the Russian word меньшевик me

• diverse

  Etymology The word diverse is derived from the Latin word diversus meaning turned a

• Fronde

  Etymology The word fronde is derived from the Latin word frons which means leaf I

• Hicksite

  Etymology The term Hicksite derives from the name of Elias Hicks a prominent Quaker

• witchcraft

  Etymology Old English wicchecrafte Proto Germanic wikkō ga kraftiz Proto Indo E

• number

  Etymology Comes from the Old French word nombere which derives from the Latin numer

• figure

  Etymology The word figure comes from the Latin word figura which means shape for