C1nounformal5K

Referendum

UK /["/ˌrefəˈrendəm/","/ˌrefəˈrendə/"]/US /["/ˌrefəˈrendəm/","/ˌrefəˈrendə/"]/

Definition

an occasion when all the people of a country can vote on an important issue

In simple words: A vote where people decide on a specific issue.

Examples

  • The country held a referendum to decide whether to remain in the international union.
  • After much debate, the government announced a referendum on the new constitution.
  • A referendum allows citizens to vote directly on a specific issue or policy.
  • The referendum showed that most voters supported the proposed changes.
  • Several regions organized a local referendum to address environmental concerns.

Usage notes

Use 'referendum' in political or formal contexts. It's not commonly used in casual conversation.

Grammar pattern

referendum + object

Memory hint

Think of 'refer' + 'end' — it's a way for people to refer to a decision at the end.

Collocations

  • planned
  • proposed
  • popular
  • conduct
  • hold
  • put something to
  • show something
  • approve something
  • fail
  • proposal
  • campaign
  • process
  • in a/​the referendum
  • referendum on
  • the result of a referendum

Synonyms

  • plebiscite
  • vote
  • poll

Antonyms

  • appointment
  • delegation

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'referenda' when referring to multiple instances.
  • Using it in informal settings where simpler terms are more appropriate.
  • Mispronouncing the word due to its formal nature.