elect

¹

[ ih-lekt ]

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.

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.

²

or elec

abbreviation for

1. electric.
2. electrical.
3. electrician.
4. electricity.

elect

/ 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

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

Derived Forms

• eˌlectaˈbility, noun
• eˈlectable, adjective

Other Words From

• e·lec·tee [ih-lek-, tee], noun
• none·lect noun
• pree·lect verb (used with object)
• ree·lect verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of elect¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of elect¹

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

Synonym Study

See choose.

Example Sentences

Since Trump was elected the first time, dozens of school districts have declared themselves "sanctuaries" or "safe havens" to reassure students they will not be deported.

From BBC

The newly elected President of the United States has nominated a sexual predator to be in charge of the Department of Justice.

From Salon

Capitol — elected to move on, refusing to convict their party’s leader for trying to upend the constitutional order.

From Salon

But he is elected by FIA member groups, so there appears not much anyone in the sport can do about it.

From BBC

In less than two weeks since being elected again, Donald J. Trump has embarked on a new campaign to shatter the institutions of Washington as no incoming president has in his lifetime.

From Salon

Related Words

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