elect.

¹ American  

Or elec

abbreviation

1. electric.

2. electrical.

3. electrician.

4. electricity.

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elect ² American  

[ih-lekt] / ɪˈlɛkt /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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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

Related Words

See choose.

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of elect

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

Example Sentences

“For the largest grid in the nation to have the fewest avenues for customers and their elected representatives to be heard is unacceptable,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Unlike presidential elections, statewide contests do not feature running mates; each candidate must be elected on their own merits.

From Los Angeles Times

With nearly 50 years of political service under his belt, Lord Forsyth was first elected to Westminster City Council in 1978, shortly after graduating from the University of St Andrews in Scotland.

From BBC

Paramount Skydance will try to get several representatives elected to the WBD board at the annual meeting as shareholders to strengthen its position.

From Barron's

Pezeshkian, who was elected on a program of political and social reforms in 2024, initially said he understood the economic grievances of average Iranians.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• accept
• admit
• appoint
• conclude
• designate
• determine
• name
• nominate
• pick
• receive
• resolve
• take
• vote
• vote for