Referendum Meaning and Definition
Referendum
Pronunciation
/ˌrɛfəˈrɛndəm/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A direct vote or election in which the community as a whole decides on a particular issue, proposal, or candidate, often considered a fundamental right of democracy.
Etymology
From Latin referendum, referring to the act of referring something back to the people for decision.
Usage Notes
Referendum is often used to describe a town hall meeting or a citizens’ initiative where voters directly decide on a issue or question. It can also be used to describe a national vote on a constitutional issue or a major policy change.
Cultural References
In the 2016 US presidential election, the Brexit vote, and various other high-profile elections and referendums, the term has been used to describe the process of direct democratic decision-making.
Additional Information
Referendums can involve a wide range of issues, from approving a new constitution to deciding on the fate of a controversial development project. In some countries, referendums are a regular occurrence, while in others they are less common. Referendums can be binding or advisory, and the outcome may or may not be legally binding.
Referendums often spark intense debate and campaigning, as various groups and individuals aim to sway public opinion and influence the outcome. The process can be highly polarizing, and the outcome can have significant political and social implications.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“A referendum on the people’s will”
Related Words or Phrases
- Vote
- Election
- Democracy
Collocations
- Hold a referendum on
- Appeal to the people in a referendum
- Results of the referendum
Frequency of Use
Referendum has gained increased usage globally, particularly in times of political flux or significant social change.
Common Misspellings
referndum, referindim, referendim