near-unanimous
Meaning
very close to being complete or total agreement, with only a very small number of people possibly dissenting.
Structure
Usage
the committee reached a near-unanimous decision to approve the new policy.
there was near-unanimous support for the proposal, with only a single vote against it.
the ruling was near-unanimous, highlighting the broad legal consensus on the issue.
Etymology
the compound 'near-unanimous' is a modern english formation that intensifies the concept of unanimity. the first element, 'near', derives from old english, carrying its ancient sense of spatial and figurative closeness into a meaning of approximation. the second element, 'unanimous', has a classical lineage from latin, where 'unus' (one) and 'animus' (soul, mind) combined to signify perfect concord. the hybrid structure logically bridges the germanic and latinate roots, creating a term that precisely denotes a state just shy of absolute consensus, reflecting a nuanced understanding of group agreement in contemporary discourse.
Analysis
- near: from old english 'nēar', comparative of 'nēah' (nigh, close). functions as an adverb/adjective modifier meaning 'almost' or 'very close to'. - unanimous: from latin 'unanimus' (of one mind), from 'unus' (one) + 'animus' (mind, spirit). functions as an adjective meaning 'fully in agreement'.