suffragette: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Historical, formal, sometimes journalistic.
Quick answer
What does “suffragette” mean?
A woman who campaigned for the right to vote in public elections, especially in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A woman who campaigned for the right to vote in public elections, especially in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
A historical term for a member of a militant women's organization in the early 20th century who fought for women's suffrage through direct action and protest. The term is now sometimes used more broadly to refer to any strong advocate for women's rights, though this is a modern extension.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is strongly associated with the British militant movement (e.g., Emmeline Pankhurst). In the US, it is also used for American activists (e.g., Alice Paul), but the historical context and key figures differ. The British usage is more central to national history.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes militancy, protest, civil disobedience, and imprisonment (e.g., hunger strikes). It has positive connotations of bravery and determination for many, but was used pejoratively by opponents at the time.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK historical and educational contexts due to the prominence of the movement in British history. In the US, 'suffragist' is a more common umbrella term, though 'suffragette' is well-known.
Grammar
How to Use “suffragette” in a Sentence
[determiner] + suffragette + [past tense verb]The + suffragette + [who/that clause]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “suffragette” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The group aimed to suffragette their way into the political process. (Rare, non-standard, creative use.)
American English
- [Verb form is exceptionally rare and non-standard in both varieties.]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form.]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form.]
adjective
British English
- She studied suffragette archives at the museum.
- The suffragette movement changed British society.
American English
- The documentary focused on suffragette history.
- They wore suffragette colours of purple, white, and green.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in discussions of corporate history or diversity initiatives metaphorically.
Academic
Common in historical, gender studies, and political science texts discussing early feminist movements.
Everyday
Used in general discussions of history, women's rights, and in media depictions of the period.
Technical
Specific to historical scholarship on suffrage movements; used with precision regarding tactics and factions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “suffragette”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “suffragette”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “suffragette”
- Using 'suffragette' to refer to any modern feminist (historical anachronism).
- Spelling: 'suffergette' (incorrect - no connection to 'suffer').
- Pronouncing it with a hard 'g' (/ɡ/) instead of the soft 'j' (/dʒ/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is now generally used positively or neutrally to describe historical figures, acknowledging their courage. However, it was originally a derogatory term coined by a newspaper to belittle the activists.
It is historically anachronistic and may sound odd. Terms like 'feminist activist', 'women's rights campaigner', or simply 'activist' are more appropriate for contemporary contexts, unless making a deliberate historical analogy.
'Suffrage' is the noun meaning 'the right to vote in political elections'. A 'suffragette' is a person (specifically a woman) who campaigned for that right for women.
No, the term 'suffragette' was exclusively used for women. Men who supported women's suffrage were called 'suffragists' or 'pro-suffrage allies'.
A woman who campaigned for the right to vote in public elections, especially in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Suffragette is usually historical, formal, sometimes journalistic. in register.
Suffragette: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsʌfrəˈdʒet/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsʌfrəˈdʒet/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms. The word itself is a historical reference.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A suffragette got the right to VETO being excluded from elections.' (Focus on 'get' in the word and the 'veto/vote' sound).
Conceptual Metaphor
THE SUFFRAGETTE IS A WARRIOR/SOLDIER (e.g., 'They fought for the vote', 'militant tactics', 'imprisoned').
Practice
Quiz
What is the key distinction between a 'suffragist' and a 'suffragette'?