plebiscite
|pleb-i-scite|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˈplɛbɪˌsaɪt/
🇬🇧
/ˈplɛbɪsɪt/
direct public vote
Etymology
Etymology Information
'plebiscite' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'plebiscitum,' where 'plebis' meant 'of the people' and 'scitum' meant 'decree.'
Historical Evolution
'plebiscitum' transformed into the French word 'plébiscite,' and eventually became the modern English word 'plebiscite' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'a decree of the common people,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a direct vote by the electorate.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a direct vote by the electorate on an important public question, such as a change in the constitution.
The government held a plebiscite to decide on the new constitutional amendment.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/02/28 16:15