to-reach-a-consensus
/tə riːtʃ ə kənˈsensəs/ IELTSAcademic
phrase
To reach a consensus means to agree on one decision or opinion after discussion. It is used when several people think together and finally choose the same answer.
- The committee reached a consensus after two hours.
- We need to reach a consensus before Friday.
- The team reached a consensus on the new plan.
Adinary Nuance
To reach a consensus is more formal than simply agree. It suggests a group discussion and a shared decision, not just two people saying yes. Compared with come to an agreement, it often sounds more academic, official, or business-like. Use it when the decision is shared by a group, not just one person.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- đạt đồng thuận
- Spanish
- llegar a un consenso
- Chinese
- 达成共识
- Japanese
- 合意に達する
- Korean
- 합의에 이르다
Etymology
Consensus comes from Latin consensus, meaning 'agreement' or 'shared feeling'. The phrase to reach a consensus became common in formal English for group decision-making.
Common phrases
reach a consensusbuild consensusachieve consensusconsensus decision
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is to reach a consensus formal or informal?
- It is usually formal. You often see it in meetings, reports, and academic writing.
- What is the difference between reach a consensus and agree?
- Agree can be used for two people or a small group. Reach a consensus usually means a group decides together after discussion.
- Can I use this phrase in business writing?
- Yes. It is common in business, government, and academic contexts.