Words / B2

FRANCH-yz/ˈfræntʃaɪz/

A franchise is the right to sell a company’s goods under its name, or the right to vote: a rail franchise; extend the franchise. Licence is close for business; suffrage is the historical voting word. The rail franchise will not be renewed. Keep the two senses distinct in essays.

Meaning

The right to sell a company’s goods; also the right to vote.

Examples

• “The rail franchise will not be renewed after the punctuality data.”
• “Reformers fought to extend the franchise, which is the voting sense.”

Good to know

a rail / fast-food franchise; the franchise (vote). Business close: licence. History: suffrage / the vote. Two exam-ready senses — label which.

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