Pronunciation: [ma͡ɪnˈɒɹɪti] (IPA) 
The word "minority" is spelled with an "o" in the first syllable instead of "i" due to its Latin origin. The "o" is pronounced as "a" in "father" in the IPA phonetic transcription, /maɪˈnɒrɪti/, while the "i" in the second syllable is pronounced as "ɪ" in "sit", /maɪˈnɒrɪti/. This word refers to a smaller segment of a population, community or group, often with less political or economic power compared to the dominant group.
Minority refers to a group or category of individuals who represent a smaller proportion or number within a larger population, community, or society. In sociological terms, a minority is typically distinguished by factors such as race, ethnicity, religion, language, socioeconomic status, or any other identifiable characteristic that can result in social distinctions and marginalization.
Minorities often face various forms of inequality, discrimination, prejudice, and limited access to resources and opportunities compared to the dominant or majority group in a given setting. These disparities can manifest in social, economic, political, and cultural realms, resulting in disparities in representation, power dynamics, and the ability to participate fully in society. The experiences of minority groups can vary greatly depending on historical and cultural contexts, as well as geographical locations.
It is important to note that the term "minority" does not imply numerical insignificance, as a minority group can still comprise a substantial proportion of a population. The concept of minority is thus more concerned with the relative disadvantage, marginalization, and subordinate position held by these groups within a specific setting.
Societies that aim to promote equality and justice often strive to address and rectify the inequities faced by minority populations through legal protections, affirmative action policies, social programs, and educational initiatives, among other means. The goal is to ensure that minority groups are granted equal rights, opportunities, and representation, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
The period from birth till 21 years of age; the smaller number, as distinguished from the majority.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "minority" originated from the Latin word "minoritas", which is derived from the adjective "minor" meaning "smaller" or "lesser". In Latin, "minoritas" specifically referred to a state of being younger, smaller, or of lesser importance than others. Over time, the term was adopted into various languages, including English, where it came to refer to a smaller portion of a population or a group that is in the underrepresented or disadvantaged position.
