Suffrage Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🗳️
suffrage
[ˈsʌf.rɪdʒ ]
Definitions
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 |
|---|---|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
| enfranchisement |
'Enfranchisement' is appropriate when discussing the process of granting the right to vote, particularly in legal or political contexts.
|
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.
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
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
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term has roots in the Latin word 'suffragium,' which means support or a vote.
- In the U.S., the suffrage movement gained significant momentum in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, pushing for women's rights to vote.
- The 19th Amendment, ratified in 1920, granted women in the United States the right to vote after decades of activism.
Global Perspectives
- Many countries established women's suffrage after World War I, reflecting changing attitudes towards gender roles.
- New Zealand was the first self-governing nation to grant women's suffrage in 1893.
- In Saudi Arabia, women were granted the right to vote only in 2015, showing how suffrage struggles continue worldwide.
Civic Engagement
- Suffrage is often linked with civic engagement, as voting is a critical way for individuals to express their opinions and influence policies.
- Debates about suffrage continue today, focusing on accessibility issues like voter ID laws that can affect certain groups more than others.
- Recent movements highlight the importance of not just having the right to vote, but also ensuring that all votes are counted fairly.
Pop Culture
- The suffrage movement has been depicted in various films and books, emphasizing the struggles and victories of activists.
- Songs like 'Sister Suffragette' from the movie Mary Poppins celebrate the spirit of the women's suffrage movement.
- Many annual events and parades commemorate the achievements of suffragists, keeping their legacy alive in modern culture.
Psychology
- Studies show that empowering individuals with the right to vote can lead to increased life satisfaction and community involvement.
- The psychological impact of disenfranchisement can lead to feelings of powerlessness and withdrawal from civic activities.
- Research suggests that voting can enhance a person's sense of identity and belonging within their community.
Origin of 'suffrage'
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.