Election

ɪˈlekʃən

nounBeginner🔥Very CommonAction
2 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A formal process of selecting a person for a political office or other position by voting.

ɪˈlekʃən

nounneutralBeginner
Action

A formal and organized process of choosing or electing someone for a position.

The general election will take place next year.

💡 Simply: Imagine your class is voting for class president! An election is just a grown-up version, where people choose who they want to lead or represent them. It’s like picking your favorite ice cream, but for leaders!

👶 For kids: A time when people vote to choose who will be in charge or to make important decisions.

More Examples

2

The election results were announced late last night.

3

Voter turnout was high in the recent election.

4

She ran a successful campaign for election to the Senate.

How It's Used

Politics

"The election for the new president is scheduled for November."

Business

"The company held an election to choose the new CEO."

2

The act or process of electing, or the state of being elected.

ɪˈlekʃən

nounneutralmedium
Action

The act of choosing someone for a position.

The election of the new mayor was a close race.

💡 Simply: The *election* is the whole process of voting, counting votes, and announcing who won! It's the *action* of choosing.

👶 For kids: The thing you're doing when you vote for someone!

More Examples

2

He was pleased with his election to the board.

3

The election process took several days.

How It's Used

General usage

"The election of the new head of department was a major decision."

Tip:The 'act' of making a selection is the election, not just the outcome.

Idioms & expressions

Landslide victory

A huge and decisive win in an election.

"The candidate won the election by a landslide victory, taking over 70% of the votes."

rig an election

To unfairly influence the results of an election.

"The opposition accused the government of attempting to rig the election."

From Middle English, from Old French election, from Latin ēlectiō (a choosing, choice), from ēligere (to choose, select), from ex- (out of, from) + legere (to gather, choose).

The word 'election' has been used to describe the process of choosing leaders since the Middle Ages, evolving from its Latin roots.

Memory tip

Think of the 'e' in election as standing for 'everyone' and 'lect' as people 'lecturing' and making a choice.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to choose, select"

general electionpresidential electionlocal electionfree and fair electionhold an election

Common misspellings

electionsellectioneletion

Usage

45%Spoken
55%Written