elect

i-LEKT/ɪˈlɛkt/

Verbelects, electing, elected

Noun pluralelects, elect

6 meanings of elect

1
vote inverbtransitive
To choose a person for a job or office by voting.
Like picking a team captain by having everyone raise a hand.
Voters elect a new mayor every four years.
They elected her class president last spring.
UsageSay elected to a group, or elected her president, with no "a" or "the" before the job.
2
adjective
Already chosen for a job by voting, but not yet started in it.
Like a winning runner who has crossed the line but not yet stepped onto the podium.
The president elect will take office in January.
Reporters crowded around the governor elect outside the hall.
UsagePut it after the job word: the president elect.
Note
3
decideverbtransitive
To decide to do something, often after thinking about your choices.
Like choosing which road to take when two are open.
She elected to stay home rather than join the party.
Students can elect to take an extra class in the summer.
UsageUsually elect to + a verb: she elected to stay home.
Similarchoose, opt, decide
4
saved by Godnoun
A person whom God has chosen to be saved.
Like names already written on a guest list before the party begins.
Believers prayed to be counted among the elect.
The sermon described the elect as saved by grace alone.
UsageUsually the elect, meaning all the chosen people together.
Note

Less common meanings

5
selectadjective
Picked out as special and chosen from a group of others.
Like the handful of names picked first for a special trip.
An elect few were allowed into the private garden.
Only an elect few were asked to join the club.
UsageMost often in an elect few: a small, specially chosen group.
Similarselect, chosen, exclusive
Note
6
noun
A person who has been specially chosen or set apart from others.
Like the few players picked first for a special team.
Only the elect were allowed into the host's private room.
In fashion, only the elect get seats in the front row.
UsageSay the elect for the whole group and one of the elect for one person.
Similarelite

Practice

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Origin

From Latin ēligō, meaning "to pick out, choose," made from ē- ("out") and legō ("to pick or gather").

Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 3 facts

Elect derives from Latin ēligō through its past participle ēlēctus. en.wiktionary.org
Latin ēligō means “to pick out, choose.” en.wiktionary.org
Ēligō is formed from ē- meaning “out” and legō meaning “to pick or gather.” en.wiktionary.org