1
Scientific agreement
A conclusion broadly accepted by specialists because multiple lines of evidence support it.
Example
There is broad scientific consensus on the age of the formation.
consensus
/kənˈsensəs/ · kuhn-SEN-suhsnoun
General agreement within a group.
Use consensus when a group broadly agrees on a judgment, position, or course of action, even if every member does not agree completely.
What consensus Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Group decision
General agreement reached by members of a panel, committee, or community.
Example
After reviewing the evidence, the panel reached a consensus that the policy should be revised.
3
Emerging shared view
A position gradually becoming common as debate and evidence develop.
Example
An emerging consensus favours preserving the site while allowing limited access.
Use consensus Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
There is broad scientific consensus on the age of the formation.
After reviewing the evidence, the panel reached a consensus that the policy should be revised.
The interviews revealed no consensus about how the funds should be allocated.
Precision Matters
Consensus overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
consensus
vs.Usually refers to a position broadly shared across a group.
agreement
Can occur between only two people or concern one specific point.
consensus
vs.Allows limited dissent or qualification.
unanimity
Requires every participant to agree.
consensus
vs.Describes a broadly shared judgment, not merely a vote count.
majority
Means more than half of a group, even amid strong division.
consensus
vs.Names the agreement that exists.
compromise
Names a settlement reached through mutual concessions.
Test consensus in Context
The group shares a general conclusion even though agreement is not perfectly unanimous.
1
Although two members retained minor reservations, the twelve-person panel reached a ___ that the policy should be revised.