'franchise' and 'suffrage' means the same in the sense of voting.

Question

'franchise' and 'suffrage' mean the same in the sense of voting. So, can 'suffrage' be replaced with 'franchise' in the expression 'universal suffrage'? And, can 'franchise' be replaced with 'suffrage' in the expression 'adult franchise'?

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

'franchise' and 'suffrage' mean the same in the sense of voting.

I suppose that's true, although both also have other meanings.

So, can 'suffrage' be replaced with 'franchise' in the expression 'universal suffrage'?

The expression 'universal suffrage' is so standard, and so historical, that it sounds a bit odd to me to say 'universal franchise'. eg The women who fought for the vote in the UK and Canada were called 'Suffragettes'.

In terms of how the words are used, we say 'Canada granted the franchise to women in the early 20th.century'. Or the verb form is 'Canada enfranchised women'.

You can't just replace the word 'franchise' here with the word 'suffrage'. You'd have to say something like 'Women gained the right of suffrage . . . '

And, can 'franchise' be replaced with 'suffrage' in the expression 'adult franchise'?

The phrase 'adult franchise' sounds odd to me. It makes me think, for some reason. of an adult video (ie ***********) store.

Best wishes, Clive

Jackson6612 · Answer

Thank you, Clive.

So, we can simply say that these are the set phrases therefore replacing one with another would make them sound unidiomatic. Right?

Clive · Answer

Hi,

Yes.

Although I feel 'suffrage' refers to a right.

On the other hand, I don't see 'franchise' as a right. It's just something that you have or 'ou are covered by / included in. It describes the way the system works.

More common than either of these words, I'd say, is the phrase 'the right to vote'.

Best wishes again, Clive

'franchise' and 'suffrage' means the same in the sense of voting.

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions