Election Definition, Examples & Common Usage

Meaning 1：the act of choosing by vote (election)

election 🔊

/ɪˈlekʃn/

The process where people vote to choose someone for a public position.

People casting ballots in a polling station during an election

the act of choosing by vote 🔊

➕

/ði ækt əv ˈtʃuːzɪŋ baɪ voʊt/

The process of casting votes to select a candidate for a political office or position.

📁 Category：Countries & Government 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'eligere' (e- 'out' + legere 'to choose'), + -ion nominal suffix.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'elect' + 'action' — the action of choosing a leader by voting.

📖 Example

The whole city was excited about the upcoming mayoral election, and people lined up early at the polling stations to cast their votes. 🔊 The whole city was excited about the upcoming mayoral election, and people lined up early at the polling stations to cast their votes.

🔗 Collocations

hold an election – to conduct or organize an election

win the election – to be victorious in an election

election campaign – a series of activities to promote a candidate before an election

🔄 Synonyms

vote (n.) – a formal indication of choice in an election

poll (n.) – the process of voting in an election

ballot (n.) – the total number of votes cast in an election

🚫 Antonyms

appointment (n.) – the assignment of a position without an election

🌱 Derivatives

elect (v.) – to choose (someone) by vote

elective (adj.) – relating to or denoting a position that is filled by election

elector (n.) – a person who has the right to vote in an election

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'eligere' (to choose out). In ancient Rome, 'electio' meant the selection of officials. Today, it is a cornerstone of democratic governance worldwide.