Referendum
/ˌrɛfəˈrɛndəm/
Definitions
A direct vote by the electorate on a proposal, law, or government action.
/ˌrɛfəˈrɛndəm/
A direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to vote on a particular proposal.
The country held a referendum to decide whether to leave the European Union.
💡 Simply: Imagine your town has to decide on a new park. Instead of the mayor just saying 'yes,' everyone gets to vote in a 'referendum' to see if the town wants the park. It's like asking the whole community for an opinion!
👶 For kids: A referendum is when everyone gets to vote about something important, like if we should build a new playground!
More Examples
The government announced plans for a referendum on electoral reform.
A referendum is a tool of direct democracy, allowing citizens to express their views on specific issues.
How It's Used
"The referendum on Scottish independence sparked significant debate."
"Citizens voted in a referendum to approve the new constitution."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Call a referendum
To officially announce and schedule a referendum.
"The government decided to call a referendum on the proposed constitutional amendment."
Referendum result
The outcome of a referendum; the decision made by the voters.
"The referendum result showed a clear majority in favor of the new legislation."
From Latin *referendum* 'something to be referred', gerundive of *referre* 'to bring back, to refer'. Originally used in the context of legal and constitutional matters.
The term gained significant prominence in the 19th and 20th centuries with the rise of democratic movements and the use of referendums in Switzerland.
Memory tip
Remember 're-FER' - the people have to make a decision and 'refer' the matter back to the government.
Word Origin
"to refer, to bring back"