How do you use the word "plebiscite" in a sentence?

Q: How do you use the word "plebiscite" in a sentence?

Here are real-life examples of using "plebiscite": Remember to vote in the upcoming plebiscite. A plebiscite or referendum is a direct popular vote on an issue.

Plebiscite Meaning

/ˈplɛbɪsaɪt/

Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.

Definition

nounA direct popular vote on an issue of public importance, such as an amendment to the constitution, a change in the sovereignty of the nation, or some government policy.

nounAn expression of the public's views on an issue, whether legally binding or not.

Sentence Examples

Remember to vote in the upcoming plebiscite.

A plebiscite or referendum is a direct popular vote on an issue.

CEFR Practice Quiz

The government called for a ____ to let the people decide the issue.

CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)

The government called a ____ to let citizens vote directly on the proposed constitutional change.

Word Origin & History

Sense 1 (“referendum”) is borrowed from French plébiscite, from Latin plēbiscītum, plēbis scītum, plēbī scītum (“law of the common people or plebs”), from plēbis (the genitive singular of plēbs (“common people, plebeians”)) + scītum (“decree, ordinance, statute”). Sense 3 (“law enacted by the common people”) is a learned borrowing from Latin plēbiscītum: see above. It is attested earlier than English plebiscitum. Cognates * Italian plebiscito * Middle French plebiscite (modern French plébiscite) * Middle Low German plebiscīt (“ordinance”) * Spanish plebiscito, plebisçito (obsolete)

Literary Quotations & Historical Citations

"A political result, we may also say aim, of the frumentarian plebiscite of Gaius was to disattach the city populace from its conservative moorings and to enlist it in the service of reform." — 1909, George Willis Botsford, The Roman Assemblies from Their Origin to the End of the Republic:

"Then something changed, and Mr. Mitterrand said he thought it would be a good idea if the Constitution allowed plebiscites, on the recommendation of the President, on issues involving personal freedoms." — 1984 July 15, John Vinocur, “A SULLEN, DISILLUSIONED FRANCE MARKS BASTILLE DAY”, in The New York Times:

Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words