vast majority: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘vast majority’ mean?

The idiom "vast majority" refers to an overwhelmingly large or significant portion or number of something.

Idiom Explorer

Defining the Overwhelming.

Vast majority is an idiom that means a large proportion or percentage of something. This idiom is often used to emphasize that something is true or applicable to most of a group or population. When we say "vast majority," we are highlighting the fact that only a small minority falls outside of the described characteristics or conditions.

The origins of this idiom can be traced back to the late 19th century. The word "vast" means very great in extent, size, or amount, while "majority" refers to the greater number or part of something. When these words are combined, the idiom conveys the idea of a large or overwhelming majority. It is used to highlight the significant portion of a group or population that meets a certain criteria or shares a specific attribute.

This idiom is commonly used in everyday discussions or arguments to strengthen a claim or assertion. By saying that something applies to the vast majority, the speaker implies that it is relevant to most people or situations. This reinforces the significance or validity of the statement being made.

The idiom "vast majority" is widely used in various contexts, including politics, business, sociology, and everyday conversations. In political discourse, politicians may argue that a particular policy is supported by the vast majority of the population. This suggests widespread consensus or public approval. In business, the idiom might be used to express that most employees follow certain work practices, while only a small minority deviates from them.

It is important to note that the idiom does not provide an exact quantification of the majority being referred to. The term "vast" is subjective and does not specify a specific numerical value. The idiom relies on context and common understanding to determine the extent of the majority in a given situation.

by and large, the idiom "vast majority" is an effective way to emphasize the prevalence or significance of a particular condition or characteristic. This idiom allows speakers to strengthen their claims by asserting that their statements apply to a significant portion of the group or population in question.

The vast majority carries the idiomatic etymology.

The idiom "vast majority" is often used interchangeably with the phrase "by and large." Both idioms convey the idea of a large proportion or percentage. They emphasize that most of a group or population falls within a certain criteria or shares a specific attribute.

When we say "by and large," we are emphasizing that something is generally true or applicable. It suggests that there may be exceptions or variations, but overall, the statement holds true for the majority. Similar to "vast majority," this idiom is used to strengthen claims or assertions by highlighting the prevalence or significance of a particular condition or characteristic.

In addition to "by and large," the idiom "vast majority" can also be related to the phrase "quite a bit." When we say "quite a bit," we mean that something is a substantial amount or extent. This idiom emphasizes that the majority of a group or population falls within a certain criteria or shares a specific attribute to a significant degree.

By using the idiom "quite a bit," speakers can further emphasize the prevalence or significance of a particular condition or characteristic. This strengthens their claims or assertions by highlighting the substantial amount or extent to which the majority falls within the described criteria or attribute.

Lastly, the idiom "vast majority" can also be related to the phrase "great deal." When we say "great deal," we are emphasizing that something is a significant amount or extent. This idiom suggests that the majority of a group or population falls within a certain criteria or shares a specific attribute to a considerable degree.

The idiom "great deal" allows speakers to highlight the prevalence or significance of a particular condition or characteristic. By emphasizing the significant amount or extent of the majority, speakers can strengthen their claims or assertions regarding the described criteria or attribute.

The idiom "vast majority" is used to describe a large proportion or percentage of something. It emphasizes that most of a group or population falls within a certain criteria or shares a specific attribute. This idiom is commonly used in various contexts, including politics, business, sociology, and everyday conversations. It allows speakers to strengthen their claims by asserting that their statements apply to a significant portion of the group or population in question.

Example usage

The idiom "vast majority" can be used in a variety of ways in sentences. Here are three examples:

  1. The vast majority of students voted in favor of the new school policy.
  2. In the survey, the vast majority of respondents preferred the red color option.
  3. The company's decision was supported by the vast majority of its employees.

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