Vote Meaning, Usage, and Examples in English

Meaning 1：cast a ballot (vote)

vote 🔊

/voʊt/

To officially choose someone or something in an election or meeting, usually by raising your hand or marking a paper.

Vote action: hand dropping ballot into ballot box

cast a ballot 🔊

➕

/kæst ə ˈbælət/

To participate in an election by marking a ballot paper or raising a hand to indicate your choice.

📁 Category：Countries & Government 🔖 Level：elementary

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'votum' (a vow, wish); related to 'votive' and 'devote'.

💡 Mnemonic

Remember 'vote' by seeing a 'V' for 'Voice' or visualize a ballot box with a 'V'.

📖 Example

In our student committee election today, I vote for Li Ming because he is always helpful. 🔊 In our student committee election today, I vote for Li Ming because he is always helpful.

🔗 Collocations

vote for – to express support for a candidate or proposal

vote against – to express opposition to a candidate or proposal

vote on – to make a decision by voting on a specific issue

🔄 Synonyms

elect (v.) – to choose someone for a position by voting

choose (v.) – to decide which one to support or pick

poll (v.) – to receive a specified number of votes in an election

🌱 Derivatives

voter (n.) – a person who votes

voting (n.) – the action of casting a vote

voteless (adj.) – having no right to vote

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Latin 'votum' meaning a solemn promise. In ancient Rome, citizens expressed choice by a spoken 'votum'. Voting became a cornerstone of democracy.