elect
[ih-lekt]
- 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.
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- to choose or select someone or something, as by voting.
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- 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.
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- a person or the persons chosen or worthy to be chosen.
- Theology. a person or persons chosen by God, especially for favor or salvation.
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Origin of elect
Synonym study
3. See choose.
elect.
or elec
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for elect
Contemporary Examples
In a large society, there is just no way, no theoretical way, to choose, to elect, normal people.
“It takes a lot of Democrats to elect a Republican in one of these places,” said John McLaughlin, a Republican pollster.
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.
To make this happen, we have to elect legislators who are willing to stand up to the gun lobby.
Historical Examples
It decrees that we, the people, elect leaders not to rule but to serve.
Now that he's dead we have the right to elect another captain.
Way of the LawlessMax Brand
Besides, if generals were allowed to elect themselves, where would it end?
In the second, He assures us that God longs to avenge His elect speedily.
The Ministry of IntercessionAndrew Murray
Made a fortune by telling people why they did not elect him.
Who Was Who: 5000 B. C. to DateAnonymous
elect
- (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
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- (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
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Word Origin
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
v.
early 15c., from Latin electus, past participle of eligere "to pick out, choose" (see election). Related: Elected; electing.
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adj.
early 15c., from Latin electus, past participle of eligere (see election).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper