Unanimous

Unanimous is an adjective describing a situation in which all members of a group share the same opinion, vote, or decision. A unanimous outcome implies there is no dissent among participants. The related noun is unanimity, and the adverb is unanimously. Common phrases include unanimous vote, unanimous verdict, and unanimous consent.

In legal and governmental settings, unanimity is often a requirement for actions such as passing certain measures, approving agreements, or granting consent. Juries may render a unanimous verdict, while boards and committees may seek unanimous agreement before a motion carries. The term can also describe general and complete accord within a group, though in everyday usage it may be used more loosely to indicate widespread agreement rather than absolute unanimity.

Etymology and usage notes: unanimous comes from the Latin word unanīmus, meaning “one mind,” formed from unus (one) and animus (mind or spirit). The word entered English in the early modern period and is typically used to describe formal or deliberative settings, as well as informal groups striving for cohesive consensus.

See also: unanimity, consensus, unanimous consent, unanimous verdict. In contrast to unanimity, consensus refers to general agreement that may involve compromise among members, while unanimity denotes complete agreement by all members. The adverb form is unanimously.