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

This approach fosters opportunity pluralism, promoting multiple pathways to jobs, careers, and human flourishing. —Bruno V. Manno, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

Such dual-economy arrangements later allowed the great imperial powers to make their commitment to free exchange, and to a degree of pluralism, commensurable with their ongoing subjugation of native peoples. —Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2024

My advice column is based on value pluralism, the idea — developed by philosophers like Isaiah Berlin and Bernard Williams — that each person has multiple values that are equally valid but that sometimes conflict with each other. —Sigal Samuel, Vox, 8 Sep. 2024

Creating more earn-and-learn apprenticeships through community colleges is a pivotal way to realize an opportunity economy where opportunity pluralism flourishes. —Bruno V. Manno, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1772, in the meaning defined at sense 1