Suffrage: meaning, definitions and examples

🗳️
Add to dictionary

suffrage

 

[ ˈsʌf.rɪdʒ ]

Context #1

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

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.
Context #2

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

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

Word origin

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.