Inklingo

referéndum

rreh-feh-REHN-doom/refeˈɾendum/

referéndum means referendum in Spanish (a direct vote by the people on a specific proposal).

referendum

Also: public vote, plebiscite
NounmB2formal
A diverse group of people dropping paper slips into a wooden ballot box.

📝 In Action

¿Cuál fue el resultado del referéndum?

A2

What was the result of the referendum?

El gobierno decidió convocar un referéndum para cambiar la constitución.

B1

The government decided to call a referendum to change the constitution.

La participación en el referéndum fue mucho más alta de lo esperado.

B2

The turnout in the referendum was much higher than expected.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • plebiscito (plebiscite/public vote)
  • votación (voting)
  • consulta (consultation/poll)

Antonyms

  • dictamen (ruling (by an official, not the public))
  • decreto (decree (a decision made without a vote))

Common Collocations

  • convocar un referéndumto call a referendum
  • celebrar un referéndumto hold a referendum
  • resultado del referéndumreferendum result

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "referéndum" in Spanish:

plebiscitepublic vote

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: referéndum

Question 1 of 3

How do you say 'to call a referendum' in Spanish?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
memorándumquórum
📚 Etymology

From the Latin word 'referendum', which literally means 'something that must be referred' (to the people).

First recorded: 19th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: referendumFrench: référendum

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'referéndum' masculine or feminine?

It is masculine. You should always use 'el' or 'un' with it: 'el referéndum'.

Is it the same as a 'plebiscito'?

They are very close synonyms. In many everyday conversations, they are used interchangeably, though 'referéndum' is more common for laws.

Does the accent stay in the plural form?

Yes, 'los referéndums' keeps the accent in the same place.