elect

[ih-lekt]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR elect ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object)

to choose or select by vote, as for an office: to elect a mayor.

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

to pick out; choose: First-year students may elect French, Spanish, or German.

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

verb (used without object)

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

adjective

selected, as for an office, but not yet inducted (usually used in combination following a noun): the governor-elect.

select or choice: an elect circle of artists.

Theology. chosen by God, especially for eternal life.

noun the elect,

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

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

Origin of elect

1250–1300; Middle English < Latin ēlēctus chosen (past participle of ēligere), equivalent to ē- e-¹ + leg- choose + -tus past participle suffix; see elite

Related formse·lec·tee

[ih-lek-tee] /ɪ lɛkˈti/, nounnon·e·lect, nounpre·e·lect, verb (used with object)re·e·lect, verb (used with object)

Synonym study

3. See choose.

elect.

or elec

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for elect

appoint, resolve, name, conclude, receive, nominate, accept, admit, take, determine, pick, vote, designate, cull, tap, prefer, mark, settle, judge, ballot

Examples from the Web for elect

Contemporary Examples of elect

In a large society, there is just no way, no theoretical way, to choose, to elect, normal people.
Is It Time to Take a Chance on Random Representatives?
Michael Schulson
November 8, 2014
“It takes a lot of Democrats to elect a Republican in one of these places,” said John McLaughlin, a Republican pollster.
Return of the Northeastern Republican
David Freedlander
November 4, 2014
This year, it has 50 field organizers working to elect Malloy and progressive legislators.
Dan Malloy Is Progressives’ Dream Governor. So Why Isn’t He Winning?
David Freedlander
October 30, 2014
Since then, it has served to elect Democrats who can only win if they roll up big margins among women.
Dems Desperately Seeking the Gender Gap
Eleanor Clift
October 28, 2014
To make this happen, we have to elect legislators who are willing to stand up to the gun lobby.
Use Your Vote to Take Stand Against Domestic Violence
Shannon Watts
October 16, 2014

Historical Examples of elect

It decrees that we, the people, elect leaders not to rule but to serve.
United States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches
Various
Now that he's dead we have the right to elect another captain.
Way of the Lawless
Max Brand
Besides, if generals were allowed to elect themselves, where would it end?
Punchinello, Vol. 1, No. 2, April 9, 1870
Various
In the second, He assures us that God longs to avenge His elect speedily.
The Ministry of Intercession
Andrew Murray
Made a fortune by telling people why they did not elect him.
Who Was Who: 5000 B. C. to Date
Anonymous

British Dictionary definitions for elect

elect

verb

(tr) to choose (someone) to be (a representative or a public official) by votingthey elected him Mayor

to select; chooseto elect to die rather than surrender

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

adjective

(immediately postpositive) voted into office but not yet installedthe president elect

chosen or choice; selected or elite
(as collective noun; preceded by the)the elect

Christianity

selected or predestined by God to receive salvation; chosen
(as collective noun; preceded by the)the elect

Derived Formselectable, adjectiveelectability, noun

Word Origin for elect

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for elect

early 15c., from Latin electus, past participle of eligere "to pick out, choose" (see election). Related: Elected; electing.

adj.

early 15c., from Latin electus, past participle of eligere (see election).