direct primary: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low to MediumFormal/Political
Quick answer
What does “direct primary” mean?
An election in which registered voters select their party's candidate for a subsequent general election.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An election in which registered voters select their party's candidate for a subsequent general election.
A system of internal party democracy where voters rather than party elites choose candidates, often seen as more democratic than conventions or caucuses.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is overwhelmingly American. The UK uses 'primary election' rarely; candidate selection typically involves party members, not a public vote.
Connotations
US: democratic reform, Progressive Era legacy. UK: seen as an American political import, sometimes discussed in political science.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in US political discourse; very low in UK outside comparative politics.
Grammar
How to Use “direct primary” in a Sentence
[Party] held a direct primary to select [candidate].The direct primary for [office] took place on [date].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “direct primary” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The direct-primary system is less common here.
- They discussed direct-primary reforms.
American English
- She won the direct-primary vote convincingly.
- Direct-primary laws vary by state.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
In political science, it refers to a method of candidate nomination. (e.g., 'The study examines turnout in direct primaries.')
Everyday
Used when discussing elections, politics, or voting. (e.g., 'Who won the direct primary for governor?')
Technical
Specific to electoral systems and political processes. May be subdivided into open/closed/semi-closed primaries.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “direct primary”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “direct primary”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “direct primary”
- Using 'direct primary' to refer to any election. Confusing it with a 'general election' or 'referendum'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A direct primary is an intra-party election to choose a candidate. A general election is the final contest between candidates from different parties.
Most do for many offices, but some states use caucuses (like Iowa for presidential nominations) or party conventions for certain positions.
It depends on whether it is an 'open primary' (any voter) or a 'closed primary' (only voters registered with that party). Rules are set by state law.
They were widely adopted in the early 20th century during the Progressive Era as a reform to reduce corruption and party boss control.
An election in which registered voters select their party's candidate for a subsequent general election.
Direct primary is usually formal/political in register.
Direct primary: in British English it is pronounced /dɪˌrekt ˈpraɪməri/, and in American English it is pronounced /dəˈrekt ˈpraɪˌmɛri/ or /daɪˈrekt ˈpraɪˌmɛri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DIRECT = voters directly choose. PRIMARY = first/initial election before the main one.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEMOCRACY IS A DIRECT PATH (vs. a winding road controlled by party bosses).
Practice
Quiz
What is the main purpose of a direct primary?