Definition

1. Noun:

   • A formal expression of choice or opinion in a decision-making process: A "vote" is an individual's formal indication of their choice, typically in an election, referendum, or meeting.
   • The total number of such expressions cast: "Vote" can refer to the collective number of ballots cast or choices made by a group.
   • The right to participate in such a process: "Vote" also means the legal or formal right to express one's choice in an election.
   • A collective opinion or decision reached by voting: The result or outcome determined by counting the expressions of choice.

2. Verb:

   • To express a choice or opinion formally, typically by ballot or show of hands: The primary action of casting a vote.
   • To enact, establish, or authorize by a majority of votes: To make something available or bring it into existence through the voting process.
   • To declare or suggest something as one's preference or opinion: To express a choice or recommendation, not always in a formal electoral context.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • Each citizen has the right to cast a vote. (Each citizen has the right to formally express their choice.)
  • The final vote was 15 in favor and 5 against. (The final count of opinions was 15 for and 5 against.)
  • The 19th Amendment granted women the vote. (The 19th Amendment granted women the right to participate in elections.)

• Verb:

  • Citizens will vote for a new mayor next week. (Citizens will formally choose a new mayor next week.)
  • The committee voted to approve the new budget. (The committee made a formal decision to approve the new budget.)
  • I vote we order pizza for dinner. (I suggest or declare my preference for ordering pizza.)

Advanced Usage

• "To vote with one's feet": To express disapproval or preference by leaving or not participating.
  • If the service is bad, customers will vote with their feet and go elsewhere.
• "To vote one's conscience": To vote according to one's personal beliefs rather than external pressures.
  • The senator promised to vote his conscience on the difficult issue.

Variants and Related Words

• Voter (n): A person who votes or has the right to vote.
• Voting (n/adj): The action or process of casting votes; relating to votes (e.g., voting rights).
• Votable (adj): Capable of being voted on.

Synonyms

• Noun: Ballot, suffrage, franchise (right to vote), poll.
• Verb: Cast a ballot, elect, opt for, choose.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Vote down: To defeat a proposal or candidate by voting against it.
  • The proposal was voted down by the council.
• Vote in: To elect someone to a position by voting.
  • The party was voted in with a large majority.
• Vote out: To remove someone from a position by voting against them.
  • The incumbent mayor was voted out of office.
• Vote through: To approve or pass a measure by voting.
  • Parliament voted through the new law.

Related Idioms

• A vote of confidence/no-confidence: A formal vote to show support or lack of support for a leader or government.
  • The board passed a vote of confidence in the new CEO.
• To have the vote: To possess the legal right to vote.
  • In many countries, citizens have the vote at age 18.

Noun

1. the total number of voters who participated
   • they are expecting a large vote
2. a body of voters who have the same interests
   • he failed to get the Black vote
3. a legal right guaranteed by the 15th amendment to the US Constitution; guaranteed to women by the 19th amendment
   • American women got the vote in 1920
4. the opinion of a group as determined by voting
   • they put the question to a vote
5. a choice that is made by counting the number of people in favor of each alternative
   • there were only 17 votes in favor of the motion
   • they allowed just one vote per person

Verb

1. bring into existence or make available by vote
   • They voted aid for the underdeveloped countries in Asia
2. be guided by in voting
   • vote one's conscience
3. express a choice or opinion
   • I vote that we all go home
   • She voted for going to the Chinese restaurant
4. express one's choice or preference by vote
   • vote the Democratic ticket
5. express one's preference for a candidate or for a measure or resolution; cast a vote
   • He voted for the motion
   • None of the Democrats voted last night