elect

¹

[ih-lekt]

verb (used with object)

1. to choose or select by vote, as for an office.

   to elect a mayor.

2. to determine in favor of (a method, course of action, etc.).

3. to pick out; choose.

   First-year students may elect French, Spanish, or German.

4. Theology.,  (of God) to select for divine mercy or favor, especially for salvation.

verb (used without object)

1. to choose or select someone or something, as by voting.

adjective

1. selected, as for an office, but not yet inducted (usually used in combination following a noun).

   the governor-elect.

2. select or choice.

   an elect circle of artists.

3. Theology.,  chosen by God, especially for eternal life.

noun

1. a person or the persons chosen or worthy to be chosen.

2. Theology.,  a person or persons chosen by God, especially for favor or salvation.

elect.

²

Or elec

abbreviation

1. electric.

2. electrical.

3. electrician.

4. electricity.

elect

/ ɪˈlɛkt /

verb

1. (tr) to choose (someone) to be (a representative or a public official) by voting

   they elected him Mayor

2. to select; choose

   to elect to die rather than surrender

3. (tr) (of God) to select or predestine for the grace of salvation

adjective

1. (immediately postpositive) voted into office but not yet installed

   the president elect

2. 1. chosen or choice; selected or elite

   2. ( as collective noun; preceded by the )

      the elect

3. Christianity

   1. selected or predestined by God to receive salvation; chosen

   2. ( as collective noun; preceded by the )

      the elect

Other Word Forms

• electee noun
• nonelect noun
• preelect verb (used with object)
• reelect verb (used with object)
• electability noun
• electable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of elect¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Latin ēlēctus “chosen” (past participle of ēligere ), equivalent to ē- “out of, from” + leg- “choose” + -tus past participle suffix; e- ¹, elite

Word History and Origins

Origin of elect¹

C15: from Latin ēligere to select, from legere to choose

Synonym Study

See choose.

Example Sentences

He was first elected to the council in 2006, becoming an integral part of a powerful group of Latino politicians in the valley east of Palm Springs.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He is barely 34, has never had a real job, was elected five years ago to the state assembly, which is a badge you wear while you scrounge around for attention and connections.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Whatever else might motivate a majority of city voters to elect Mr. Mamdani, they’ll have to overlook ample prior experience that his program is a flop.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Many suspect that the once well-connected Jewish community in New York will likely face indifference, if not open hostility, from City Hall if Zohran Mamdani is elected.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The U.S. president and Japan’s newly elected prime minister, a onetime heavy metal drummer, reportedly talked baseball.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accept 
• admit 
• appoint 
• conclude 
• designate 
• determine 
• name 
• nominate 
• pick 
• receive 
• resolve 
• take 
• vote 
• vote for www.thesaurus.com