suffrage
- 01 C1 Advanced
the legal right to vote in an election for a government.
the right or privilege of voting in public, political elections. Uncountable in this general sense.
Simple“The movement fought for years to achieve universal suffrage for all citizens.”
In context“The extension of suffrage to women was a landmark achievement that fundamentally altered the democratic landscape of the twentieth century.”
SynonymsAntonymsdisenfranchisement - 02 C2 Proficiency
a single vote given in favor of a particular person or choice.
a vote cast in deciding a specific question or electing a candidate. Countable in this specific application.
Simple“Each member was asked to give their suffrage on the new law.”
In context“The candidate sought the suffrages of the local landowners to secure his position in the assembly.”
- 03 C2 Proficiency
a short prayer or request used in some Christian church services.
a short petition or series of petitions used in liturgical worship, such as those following the creed in matins.
Simple“The priest led the congregation in a series of suffrages for the sick.”
In context“The liturgy concludes with a set of suffrages, where the choir responds to each short petition offered by the minister.”
Synonyms
From Middle English suffrage (“prayers or pleas on behalf of another”), from Old French, from Medieval Latin suffragium, from Latin suffragium (“support, vote, right of voting”). The sense of "vote" or "right to vote" was directly derived from classical Latin.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.