consensus
general agreement in a group
A situation where most people in a group agree about something.
[group] reach a consensus on [something]
- After several hours of discussion, the committee finally reached a consensus on the budget cuts.
- There is a broad consensus that the company needs to invest more in renewable energy.
- The team failed to reach a consensus about who should lead the project.
- By the end of the workshop, an emerging consensus had formed around the new strategy.
- The chairperson summed up the consensus of the meeting in a short closing statement.
- The group talked for a long time before they reached a consensus.
- There is a general consensus that the new rules are fair.
- We could not find a consensus on where to go for lunch.
- In our class, the consensus is that the exam was difficult.
- The manager wants to build consensus before making a big change.
widely accepted expert opinion
The view that most experts in a subject accept as true or correct.
the consensus among [experts/group] is that [clause]
- There is a strong scientific consensus that human activity is driving climate change.
- Current medical consensus recommends this treatment only for high‑risk patients.
- The report reflects the international consensus on how to regulate artificial intelligence.
- While some researchers disagree, the consensus among economists is that inflation will slow next year.
- New data has led to a shift in consensus regarding the safety of the drug.
- The scientific consensus is that smoking is very harmful.
- There is now a medical consensus on how to treat this disease.
- The consensus among experts is that the virus started in animals.
- Many students trust the expert consensus on climate change.
- Over time, new studies can change the scientific consensus.
- Base: consensus
- Plural: consensuses
build consensus
1create agreement within a group
To slowly get more people in a group to agree with an idea or plan.
- The new leader is trying to build consensus around the reform plan.
- Good managers spend time building consensus before making big changes.
by consensus
1decide without any objections
When a group decides something because no one objects, not by voting or using force.
- The motion was adopted by consensus, without a formal vote.
- The committee agreed to proceed by consensus rather than majority rule.
consensus decision
1decision all members accept
A decision that everyone in the group agrees to or accepts.
- The council reached a consensus decision to delay the project.
- They prefer consensus decisions to simple majority votes.
consensus opinion
1opinion reflecting group agreement
An opinion that shows what the group as a whole thinks.
- Her report reflects the consensus opinion of the review panel.
- The article summarizes the consensus opinion on the causes of the crisis.
consensus view
1dominant shared opinion
The main opinion that most people in a group share.
- This theory challenges the consensus view in modern economics.
- The consensus view among historians has changed over the last decade.
emerging consensus
1shared view that is forming
A new shared opinion that more and more people in a group are starting to agree with.
- There is an emerging consensus that the law needs to be updated.
- An emerging consensus can be seen in recent policy papers.
general consensus
1view held by most people
The opinion that most people in a group have.
- The general consensus is that housing prices will continue to rise.
- There is a general consensus that the event was well organized.
reach a consensus
1arrive at a shared agreement
To finally agree as a group after talking or discussing.
- The board reached a consensus after three rounds of negotiations.
- We still need to reach a consensus before we can announce the decision.
scientific consensus
1widely accepted view in science
The view that most scientists accept as true based on research and evidence.
- There is a strong scientific consensus that vaccines are safe and effective.
- Denying the scientific consensus on climate change is not supported by the data.
the consensus is that
1introduce the shared opinion
Used to say what most people think or agree is true.
- The consensus is that the policy needs to be revised.
- Among analysts, the consensus is that interest rates will fall next year.