Suffrage: meaning, definitions and examples
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suffrage
[ ˈsʌf.rɪdʒ ]
right to vote
Suffrage is the right to vote in political elections. It is a fundamental principle of democracy, ensuring that all citizens have a say in the governance of their country. Suffrage has been a hard-fought battle throughout history, with many groups marginalized and excluded from this basic right.
Synonyms
enfranchisement, franchise, voting rights.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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suffrage |
Use 'suffrage' when referring to the right to vote in elections, especially in historical or formal contexts. It is often associated with movements for universal voting rights.
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voting rights |
Use 'voting rights' in modern, everyday language when referring to the ability and eligibility to vote. This term is especially useful in discussions about civil rights.
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franchise |
'Franchise' can be used to describe the right to vote, but it is also commonly used to refer to a business model. In the context of voting, it has a slightly more formal tone.
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enfranchisement |
'Enfranchisement' is appropriate when discussing the process of granting the right to vote, particularly in legal or political contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The suffrage movement fought for women's right to vote.
- Universal suffrage allows all citizens to participate in the electoral process.
- Without suffrage, a democracy cannot truly represent the will of the people.
support for a cause
Suffrage can also refer to the act of supporting or advocating for a particular cause or belief. It implies standing in solidarity with those who are fighting for their rights or seeking justice. This usage of suffrage highlights the importance of collective action and unity in pursuing social change.
Synonyms
advocacy, solidarity, support.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
suffrage |
Suffrage is used when talking about the right to vote in elections. This term is often used in discussions about civil rights, democracy, and political reforms.
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support |
Support is a broad term that refers to helping or backing someone or something. It can be used in various contexts including emotional support, financial support, and professional support.
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advocacy |
Advocacy refers to the act of supporting or arguing in favor of a particular cause, policy, or group of people. It is often used in the context of social justice, public policy, and legal matters.
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solidarity |
Solidarity describes unity or agreement of feeling or action, often for the purpose of mutual support within a group. This term is frequently used in labor movements, social justice campaigns, and with communities facing adversity.
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Examples of usage
- The suffrage of the people was crucial in achieving civil rights reforms.
- I express my suffrage for the rights of marginalized communities.
- We must unite in suffrage against oppression and discrimination.
Translations
Translations of the word "suffrage" in other languages:
🇵🇹 sufrágio
🇮🇳 मताधिकार
🇩🇪 Wahlrecht
🇮🇩 hak suara
🇺🇦 виборче право
🇵🇱 prawo wyborcze
🇯🇵 選挙権
🇫🇷 suffrage
🇪🇸 sufragio
🇹🇷 oy hakkı
🇰🇷 선거권
🇸🇦 حق الاقتراع
🇨🇿 volební právo
🇸🇰 volebné právo
🇨🇳 选举权
🇸🇮 volilna pravica
🇮🇸 kosningaréttur
🇰🇿 сайлау құқығы
🇬🇪 საარჩევნო უფლება
🇦🇿 seçki hüququ
🇲🇽 sufragio
Etymology
The term 'suffrage' originates from the Latin word 'suffragium', which means a voting tablet or vote. It has roots in ancient Roman voting practices where citizens cast their votes by dropping tablets into urns. Over time, suffrage evolved to encompass the broader concept of the right to vote and the act of supporting causes. The suffrage movement in the 19th and 20th centuries played a pivotal role in expanding voting rights to marginalized groups, including women and minorities. Today, suffrage remains a symbol of democratic participation and social justice.
See also: insufferable, insufferably, suffer, sufferer, sufferers, suffering.