suffrage: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, academic, historical, political
Quick answer
What does “suffrage” mean?
The right to vote in political elections.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The right to vote in political elections.
A vote given in favor of a proposal or candidate; a short intercessory prayer.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The term 'suffragette' (specifically for women campaigning for the vote) is historically more British, though understood in AmE.
Connotations
Strongly associated with historical struggles for voting rights, especially women's suffrage.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both varieties, primarily in historical, political, or legal contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “suffrage” in a Sentence
suffrage for [group]the suffrage of [group]to grant/deny suffrage to [group]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “suffrage” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- suffrage campaigner
American English
- suffrage amendment
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in discussions of corporate governance or shareholder rights.
Academic
Common in history, political science, law, and gender studies texts.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Used when discussing politics, history, or rights.
Technical
Used in legal and constitutional documents to specify voting rights.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “suffrage”
- Using 'suffrage' to mean 'suffering'.
- Pronouncing it as /səˈfreɪdʒ/.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to suffrage').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Etymologically, yes. Both come from Latin 'suffragium' meaning 'vote, support', which may be related to 'frangere' (to break). The connection to 'suffer' (to undergo pain) is indirect and not relevant to the modern meaning.
No, 'suffrage' is exclusively a noun. You cannot say 'to suffrage'. The correct verb phrases are 'to have suffrage', 'to grant suffrage', or 'to vote'.
They are largely synonymous in the context of voting rights. 'Franchise' can sound slightly more legal or formal. 'Franchise' also has common commercial meanings (e.g., a business franchise), which 'suffrage' does not.
No. While 'women's suffrage' is a major historical context, the word refers to the right to vote for any group (e.g., universal suffrage, male suffrage). Its use is not gender-specific.
The right to vote in political elections.
Suffrage is usually formal, academic, historical, political in register.
Suffrage: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌfrɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌfrɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SUFFRAGE sounds like 'SUFFER-AGE'. Think of the age when people suffered to gain the right to vote.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUFFRAGE IS A KEY (to political participation). SUFFRAGE IS A VOICE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'suffrage'?