Referendum

Definition

Referendum denotes a general vote by the electorate on a single political question which has been referred to them for a direct decision.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌrɛfəˈrɛndəm/
• Respelling: REF-uh-REN-dum (with "REF" as in "refer," "uh" as a soft, neutral sound, "REN" as in "rend," and "dum" as in "drum")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌrɛfəˈrɛndəm/
• Respelling: REF-uh-REN-dum (similar to American English, with "REF" as in "refer," "uh" as a soft, neutral sound, "REN" as in "rend," and "dum" as in "drum")

In both dialects, "referendum" is pronounced with the stress on the third syllable, "REN." The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, clearly articulating each component of the word with a focus on the "REN" syllable.

Etymology

Derived from Latin, "referendum" translates to "thing that is referred." It comes from the verb "referre," which means "to bring back."

Derivatives

• Referenda (plural)
• Referendary
• Referendum campaign
• Pre-referendum
• Post-referendum

Synonyms

• Plebiscite
• Ballot
• Poll

Antonyms

• Representative vote
• Indirect election
• Appointment

Usage

The term "referendum" is primarily associated with the political domain, indicating an occasion when all eligible citizens are invited to vote on a particular proposal. This can relate to changes in legislation, constitutional amendments, or other significant national or regional decisions.

Related Terms

• Initiative
• Proposition
• Direct democracy
• Binding referendum
• Non-binding referendum

Detailed Definition

Noun

• A direct vote in which the entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal. This can be a new law, change in an existing law, or any other decision needing public ratification.
• Example: The government decided to hold a referendum on the country's membership in the international alliance.

• The process of referring a political question to the public for direct decision.
• Example: Calls for a referendum on the issue have been growing louder in recent months.