Elected
ɪˈlektɪd
Definitions
2 meaningsTo be chosen or selected, especially to a particular position or office by voting.
ɪˈlektɪd
To choose someone for a position by voting.
The new mayor was elected last week.
💡 Simply: Imagine your class votes for a class president. If someone gets the most votes, they're 'elected' – chosen by the group!
👶 For kids: When people vote and choose someone for a job or role, that person is elected.
More Examples
The student council members were elected by their peers.
After months of campaigning, the candidate was finally elected.
How It's Used
"The president was elected by a majority vote."
"She was elected as the new chairperson of the committee."
Chosen or selected, especially by election.
ɪˈlektɪd
Having been chosen by election.
The elected representatives will vote on the new bill.
💡 Simply: If someone is elected, it means they got picked by a group of people to do something.
👶 For kids: When someone has been picked by people voting, they are elected.
More Examples
The elected governor addressed the crowd.
An elected official is responsible for making decisions on behalf of the people who elected them.
How It's Used
"The elected officials gathered for the meeting."
"The elected board members decided on a new policy."
Idioms & expressions
elected official
A person who has been chosen by election to hold a government office or other position of authority.
"The elected official promised to address the concerns of the community."
elected representative
A person who has been chosen to act or speak for a group of people, often through an election.
"The elected representative is responsible for conveying the needs of the people."
From Middle English *electen*, from Latin *ēligere* ('to choose out, select'), from *ex-* ('out of') + *legere* ('to choose, gather').
The word 'elected' has been used in legal and political contexts since the late 14th century, reflecting the development of representative government.
Memory tip
Think of the 'e' for 'examine' and 'lect' for 'lecture.' To be elected is to have your qualifications examined and then to be told about them by others, like in a campaign.
Word Origin
"to choose out, select"