Word of the Day: Elect
To elect someone is to choose that person for a position in government or some other organization.
- The team members elected a new captain.
- Voters elect their representatives.
- Barack Obama was elected President in 2008 and 2012. (This sentence uses “elect” in the passive voice, past tense.)
- Who would you have wanted to see elected President in 2016? (Whether you live in the United States or not, this is how to ask about a past, alternative outcome.)
The word “elect” can be used to describe situations that are not elections but do involve a choice. In this case, an infinitive often follows the verb “elect.”
- The company elected to move its headquarters to a new location.
- The patient elected to have the surgery done with only a local anesthesia.
The words “elective” and “electoral” are adjectives.
- Most elective medical procedures are not covered by health insurance.
- In addition to the general course load, students need at least three elective courses. (elective course = an extra course, usually one that reflects a personal interest.)
- Donald Trump won the electoral college vote, but Hillary Clinton won the popular vote by over three million votes.
The word “election” is a noun.
- There was an election last November.
- A majority of Americans are surprised by the election results for President.
- The next election is in 2018.
Essential English Dictionary
Visit the Popular English Words Beginning with E page to see the list of all words starting with letter E. For seeing the HiCafe dictionary, visit the Popular English Words with Meaning page.
