referendum English · revision 10685

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=borrowing|attested=1847|origins=la referendum}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ˌref.əˈren.dəm/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is borrowed through French référendum and German Referendum from Latin [[m|la|referendum|t=a thing to be referred, brought back]],^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)^(NODE 1998) the neuter gerundive of referre, to bring back (see [[refer]]).^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ The practice of submitting a law to a popular vote, at first chiefly in reference to Switzerland: 1847 in Barnhart, Etymonline and the OED;^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989) Merriam-Webster gives 1817.^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ In Switzerland the people had the right to decide on certain laws passed by the legislature.^(Etymonline) General use, outside Switzerland, is by 1882.^(Etymonline) Fowler (1926) preferred the plural referendums, because referenda too strongly suggests the correct sense, questions to be referred.^(Etymonline) In diplomacy, a referendum is also a note asking one's government for instructions.^(AHD)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1847 – in Swiss politics.^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)

+ * 1882 – general use.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1926 – Fowler on the plural.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # The submission of a question or proposed law to a direct [[vote]] of the [[electorate]], or the vote itself.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # A poll of the members of a group on some matter.^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[refer]]

+ * [[reference]]

+ * [[referee]]

+ * [[plebiscite]]

+

+ ==Usage notes==

+ Both plurals, referendums and referenda, are used.^(Collins 2023)^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}