Is consensus formal or informal?

What's the difference between consensus and agreement?

How do I use consensus in a sentence?

Is consensus common in academic writing?

← Dictionary

consensus

/kənˈsɛnsəs/

IELTSAcademic

noun

General agreement or shared opinion within a group or society; formal collective acceptance of a view or decision after discussion and accommodation of differing positions or concerns.

We reached a consensus on the deadline.
There is a consensus that climate action is urgent.

Adinary Nuance

Near-neighbors: consensus stresses group agreement after discussion, whereas agreement can be simpler or private; harmony suggests emotional accord; unanimity implies no dissent; compromise highlights concessions. Use consensus for formal, collective decisions in academic or policy contexts.

In other languages

Spanish: Consenso
Japanese: 合意
Korean: 합의
Vietnamese: Sự đồng lòng
Chinese: 共识

Etymology

Common phrases

reach a consensusbuilding consensusconsensus amonga broad consensus

Synonyms

agreement harmony unanimity compromise common ground

Frequently asked questions

Is consensus formal or informal?: Is consensus formal or informal?
What's the difference between consensus and agreement?: What's the difference between consensus and agreement?
How do I use consensus in a sentence?: How do I use consensus in a sentence?
Is consensus common in academic writing?: Is consensus common in academic writing?