BharatNotes Referendum
noun (plural: referendums or referenda)Usage in a UPSC answer
When a constitutional amendment touches the very basis of the federal compact, several democracies require its endorsement through a referendum, ensuring that so fundamental a change derives its legitimacy directly from the sovereign will of the people rather than from a transient legislative majority.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
referenda (n pl), referendums (n pl), refer (v), referral (n), referent (n/adj)
Root
Latin referendum = that which ought to be referred (gerundive of referre); re- = back + ferre = to carry, bring
Etymology
From Latin referendum ("that which ought to be referred"), the gerundive of referre ("to carry back, to refer"), from re- ("back") + ferre ("to bring, to carry").
Memory Hook
'Refer' the question back to the people: a REFERENDUM is when a matter is referred to the voters for their direct verdict.
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