franchise
FRAN-chyz
/ˈfræntʃaɪz/
As a political noun: the right to vote in public elections (also called voting rights or suffrage). As a business noun: a authorization granted to operate a commercial branch.
In constitutional and political contexts, franchise almost always refers specifically to civic voting rights.
The story behind the word. The Frankish tribes in early medieval Europe were the conquerors who held full civic freedom, so 'franc' came to mean 'free'. Granting a 'franchise' meant granting freedom, which later evolved into granting the political freedom to vote.
Word relationships
- suffrage: Suffrage refers exclusively to the political right to vote, whereas franchise can also refer to commercial licenses.
- voting rights: Voting rights is the modern descriptive phrase, whereas franchise is the classical legal and political science term.
- disenfranchisement: Disenfranchisement is the state or act of revoking or withholding voting rights.
Commonly confused with
- enfranchise: Enfranchise is the verb meaning to grant voting rights; franchise is the noun representing the right itself.
Word family
- enfranchise (verb): To grant the right to vote.
- disenfranchise (verb): To deprive of the right to vote.
Collocations
- extend the franchise
- universal franchise
- exercise the franchise
- deprive of the franchise
Example sentences
- "The expansion of the franchise to all adult citizens was a pivotal milestone in democratic governance." Suffrage history
- "Laws designed to restrict voter registration were seen as efforts to disenfranchise citizens and restrict the franchise." Civil rights law
Memory hook
FRANchise gives citizens the FRANK FREEDOM to vote. The freedom to vote.
When not to use
Do not confuse the political meaning (right to vote) with the commercial business agreement unless context specifies business.
Fun facts
- The word 'frank' (meaning honest or direct) comes from the same Germanic tribal origin as 'franchise'.
Related words
Explore more words
suffrage, enfranchise, disenfranchise, license, constituent, proxy
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.