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Elect Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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elect

[ɪˈlɛkt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

politics

To choose someone to hold public office or some other position by voting.

Synonyms

choose, select, vote for.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
elect

Formal situations where individuals are chosen for a specific position, especially in politics or organizations.

  • The citizens will elect a new mayor next month.
  • She was elected president of the student council.
choose

General situations where a decision or preference is made from various options.

  • You can choose between the red or blue shirt.
  • They chose to spend their vacation at the beach.
vote for

Political or organizational settings where individuals express their preference among candidates or options by casting a vote.

  • I plan to vote for the candidate who supports environmental policies.
  • The members will vote for the new club president next week.
select

Formal or semi-formal situations where a choice is made based on specific criteria or qualifications.

  • The committee will select the best candidates for the scholarship.
  • Please select a date for your appointment.

Examples of usage

  • The citizens will elect a new mayor next month.
  • She was elected as the president of the student council.
Context #2 | Verb

technology

To connect or switch on an electrical device by pressing a button or moving a switch.

Synonyms

activate, engage, turn on.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
elect

Typically used in formal or political scenarios to indicate the process of choosing a person for a position by voting.

  • The citizens will elect a new mayor in November.
  • She was elected president of the student council.
activate

Used in the context of starting or initiating the function of a device, system, or process.

  • You need to activate your credit card before using it.
  • The emergency alarm was activated when smoke was detected.
turn on

Commonly used in everyday language to indicate the action of starting or powering an electrical device or light.

  • Please turn on the lights, it's getting dark.
  • He turned on the TV to watch the news.
engage

Used when referring to someone being involved in an activity or committing to a task. It can also mean starting a mechanism.

  • She tried to engage the students during the lecture.
  • To operate the machine, first engage the clutch.

Examples of usage

  • He elected to turn off the lights before leaving.
  • Please make sure to elect the correct option on the menu.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'elect'

The word 'elect' originated from the Latin word 'eligere', which means 'to choose'. It has been used in English since the late 14th century. Initially, it was mainly associated with the selection of public officials through voting. Over time, its usage expanded to include the activation or connection of devices. 'Elect' carries the connotation of making a deliberate choice or decision.

See also: electing, election, electioneering, elector, electoral.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,749, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.