B2nounacademicsociety
US/kənˈsen.səs/
UK/kənˈsen.səs/
general agreement among most members of a group about something
In context
There is now a broad consensus among scientists that the climate is warming.
The teachers failed to reach a consensus on how homework should be marked.
Policy should rest on evidence, not simply on the consensus of the moment.
Words that go with consensus
verb + noun
- reach a consensusAfter hours of discussion, the panel finally reached a consensus.
adjective + noun
- broad consensusThere is broad consensus that early education matters.
- scientific consensusThe scientific consensus on vaccine safety is very clear.
- growing consensusThere is a growing consensus that tests are overused.
noun + preposition
- consensus onThere is little consensus on the best way to teach grammar.
- consensus amongThe review found no consensus among experts on screen time.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
All members consensus with the plan.Correct: All members agree with the plan. / There is a consensus on the plan.