Electable: meaning, definitions and examples
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electable
[ iˈlɛktəbl ]
political candidacy
The term 'electable' refers to a candidate's perceived ability to win an election based on various factors such as their policies, public image, and appeal to voters. An electable candidate is typically seen as someone who has a realistic chance of securing enough votes to be successful in their campaign. The concept often comes into play during primary elections, where party members may favor candidates who can win in general elections over those with proposals that might not resonate as broadly. Factors influencing electability can include a candidate's experience, fundraising capabilities, and demographic reach.
Synonyms
competitive, likely to win, viable
Examples of usage
- Many party members believe that electable candidates are essential for winning the general election.
- Despite her strong policies, she was not considered electable due to her low appeal among swing voters.
- The focus groups indicated that the candidate was viewed as more electable after changing their platform.
Translations
Translations of the word "electable" in other languages:
🇵🇹 elegível
🇮🇳 चुनावी
🇩🇪 wählbar
🇮🇩 dapat dipilih
🇺🇦 такий, що може бути обраний
🇵🇱 wybieralny
🇯🇵 選挙可能な
🇫🇷 éligible
🇪🇸 elegible
🇹🇷 seçilebilir
🇰🇷 선출 가능한
🇸🇦 قابل للتصويت
🇨🇿 volitelný
🇸🇰 voliteľný
🇨🇳 可选的
🇸🇮 izbiralen
🇮🇸 valanlegur
🇰🇿 сайланатын
🇬🇪 არჩევნადი
🇦🇿 seçilə bilən
🇲🇽 elegible
Etymology
The word 'electable' is a relatively modern addition to the English language, emerging in the late 20th century. It is derived from the verb 'elect,' which traces its origins back to the Latin verb 'elegere,' meaning 'to choose or select.' The suffix '-able' typically denotes capability or suitability, making 'electable' essentially mean 'capable of being elected.' The term became particularly prevalent in political discourse as candidates and strategists began to focus more on a candidate's chances of success in elections rather than just their policies. The rise of media influence and polling also played a role in shaping this concept, as candidates were often analyzed and categorized based on their perceived electability rather than their qualifications or stances on issues. Thus, 'electable' became a crucial term in campaign strategies and voter perception.