Words / C1

ref-uh-REND-uh-m/ˌrefəˈrendəm/

A referendum is a public vote on one political question: call a referendum, a referendum on the charge. Election chooses people; a plebiscite is a close cousin, often more formal or historical. Referenda and referendums are both used as plurals in British news English. Do not call a staff ballot a referendum unless the whole electorate is voting.

Meaning

A public vote on a single political question.

Examples

• “The council called a referendum on the congestion charge.”
• “The referendum question had to fit on one line, which is harder than a manifesto.”
• “Turnout, not the slogan, decided the referendum.”

Good to know

A public yes/no (or options) vote on one issue. People: election. Close: plebiscite. Plural: referendums/referenda.

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