Definition

1. Noun:
   • A formal process of voting to choose a person or group for a political position or other office: The primary meaning refers to the organized event where people cast votes to select leaders or decide on issues.
   • The act or power of choosing or selecting something: This meaning refers to the general concept of making a deliberate choice from among options.
   • The status of having been chosen, especially for a position: This refers to the fact or condition of being elected.
   • In Christian theology, especially Calvinism, the doctrine that God chooses certain individuals for salvation: A specific theological concept.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The presidential election is held every four years.
  • Her election to the board of directors was unanimous.
  • The committee announced the election of a new chairperson.
  • The doctrine of election is a central tenet of Reformed theology.

Advanced Usage

• "By election": Referring to an election held to fill a vacancy that occurs during a term of office.
  • The senator resigned, forcing a special by election.
• "General election": A regular election for all or most seats in a political body.
  • The next general election is scheduled for November.
• "Election day": The specific day on which an election is held.
  • Don't forget to vote on Election Day.

Variants and Related Words

• Elect (verb): To choose someone for a position by voting.
  • The people will elect a new mayor.
• Elective (adjective): Chosen by election; or, in an educational context, a course that is optional.
  • The presidency is an elective office.
  • I'm taking an elective in art history.
• Elector (noun): A person who has the right to vote in an election.
  • Every elector must be registered.

Synonyms

• Vote: A formal indication of choice.
• Ballot: The process or system of voting secretly.
• Selection: The action of carefully choosing someone or something.
• Choice: An act of selecting between possibilities.

Related Phrases

• "Election campaign": The organized effort to win an election.
  • The election campaign lasted for several months.
• "Election results": The outcome or tally of votes in an election.
  • The election results were very close.
• "Rig an election": To dishonestly manipulate the process or outcome of an election.
  • The dictator was accused of trying to rig the election.

Related Idioms

• "A foregone conclusion": An outcome that is certain to happen, often used in the context of an election where the winner is already known.
  • His victory in the primary was a foregone conclusion.
• "The only game in town": The most important or only significant option or event, sometimes used for a major election.
  • In this small county, the sheriff's race is the only game in town.

Noun

1. the predestination of some individuals as objects of divine mercy (especially as conceived by Calvinists)
2. the status or fact of being elected
   • they celebrated his election
3. the act of selecting someone or something; the exercise of deliberate choice
   • her election of medicine as a profession
4. a vote to select the winner of a position or political office
   • the results of the election will be announced tonight