Unanimous: Definition and Synonyms
Unanimous – Definition and Part of Speech
The word “unanimous” is an adjective used to describe a situation or decision that is supported by all members of a group without any opposition or dissent. It conveys total agreement, often in formal settings such as meetings or votes.
Synonyms (Table Format)
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consensual | Agreement by all parties; often used in formal agreements. | “The treaty was ratified with consensual approval from all nations.” | Formal, Legal |
| Collective | Pertaining to a whole group acting as one unit. | “There was a collective decision to proceed with the plan.” | Academic/Formal |
| Universal | Inclusive of everyone; applies to everyone without exception. | “The universal approval from the board marked a rare event in company history.” | Formal, Academic |
| Congruent | Agreement or harmony between different elements or parties. | “Their views on the project were congruent, leading to smooth progress.” | Academic/Formal |
| Concordant | In harmony; often used in scientific and formal contexts. | “The results of the experiments were concordant with previous findings.” | Scientific/Academic |
Usage Notes
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Business Writing: Use synonyms like “unanimous” or “consensual” when referring to decisions made by boards, committees, or teams. These terms convey professionalism and a clear indication that all parties agree.
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Academic Papers: Words like “congruent” and “concordant” are suitable for discussions involving research findings or theoretical agreements. They imply precision and harmony in data or theories.
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Casual Speech: While less common, you might hear terms like “universal” when people talk about broad agreement on a widely accepted topic.
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Creative Writing: Here, synonyms can add nuance to the narrative. For instance, describing characters’ opinions as “collective” could imply group dynamics and shared perspectives.
Common Pitfalls
While most of these synonyms align closely with “unanimous,” they have specific contexts where they shine best:
- “Consensual” is often more applicable in legal or formal agreements rather than spontaneous consensus.
- “Collective” might refer to the nature of an agreement, not just unanimity, and can be used to describe actions taken together as a group.
- “Universal” implies inclusivity beyond simple unanimous agreement—often indicating a scope that extends to everyone involved.
Final Recap
In summary, while “unanimous” directly conveys total agreement without dissent, its synonyms like “consensual,” “collective,” “universal,” “congruent,” and “concordant” offer nuanced differences suited for specific contexts such as formal agreements, academic discussions, and scientific research. Practicing these terms in various settings will enhance your vocabulary and improve precision in communication.
Encourage readers to incorporate these synonyms into their writing and conversations to better articulate different facets of agreement and harmony. Experimenting with sentence construction or discussing ideas using these words can deepen understanding and fluency.