plebiscite
pronunciation
How to pronounce plebiscite in British English:
UK [ˈplebɪsɪt]
How to pronounce plebiscite in American English:
US [ˈplɛbɪˌsaɪt, -sɪt]
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- Noun:
- a vote by the electorate determining public opinion on a question of national importance
Word Origin
- plebiscite (n.)
- "direct vote of the people," 1860 (originally in reference to Italian unification), from French plébiscite (1776 in modern sense, originally with reference to Switzerland), from Latin plebiscitum "a decree or resolution of the people," from plebs (genitive plebis) "the common people" (see plebeian (adj.)) + scitum "decree," noun use of neuter past participle of sciscere "to assent, vote for, approve," inchoative of scire "to know" (see science). Used earlier (1530s) in a purely Roman historical context. Related: Plebiscitary.
Example
- 1. Depending on the bewildering politics of greece , the plebiscite may or may not take place .
- 2. A first hurdle was a vote of confidence to endorse mr papandreou 's proposed plebiscite .
- 3. Many see this as a plebiscite on independence , though mr mas may try to water that down .
- 4. In the end , papandreou 's own party colleagues rebelled against his idea for a plebiscite . He was forced out of office .
- 5. Enda kenny , ireland 's prime minister ( pictured ) , had hoped to avoid a national plebiscite on the fiscal compact , the european union 's fiscal treaty , which mandates tight debt and deficit rules .