What is elect? Pronunciation and usage in English

elect means . Learn how to pronounce and use elect through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of elect

electverb

/ɪˈlɛkt/
Definition & pronunciation of elect

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "elect" in English. It's a tricky one because it doesn't follow typical English pronunciation rules!

Here’s the most common and accepted pronunciation:

** /ˈɪlɪkt/**

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • “i”: Pronounced like the “i” in “bit” – a short, quick “ih” sound.
  • “li”: Pronounced like “lee” as in the name “Lee.”
  • “kt”: This is the tricky part. It’s pronounced like “kt” in “basket”. It’s not like “elect” as in “electricity.”

Putting it together: It sounds roughly like "ih-leet"

Tips and Considerations:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word "elect"?

Usage and examples with the word elect in English

Let's break down how to use the word "elect" in English. It has several distinct meanings and uses, so it's important to understand the context.

1. To Choose by Voting (The Most Common Meaning)

  • Definition: To formally choose someone or something by voting.
  • Structure: elect + someone/something + as + position/role
  • Examples:
    • "The voters elected John Smith as mayor." (He was chosen by voting.)
    • "The committee will elect a new chairperson next week." (They will choose someone through a vote.)
    • "The students elected a new student council." (A group was chosen by a student vote.)

2. To Choose or Select in a More General Sense (Not Necessarily by Formal Voting)

  • Definition: To choose or select something with care and deliberation. This less common usage often implies a more conscious and thoughtful selection than just "choose."
  • Structure: elect + something
  • Examples:
    • "She elected to stay at home and raise her children." (She deliberately chose this option.)
    • "The company elected to postpone the launch of the new product." (They consciously decided to delay.)
    • "He elected to forgive his friend." (He deliberately chose to show forgiveness.)

3. (Less Common) To Generate or Produce Something (Figurative)

  • Definition: This is a more formal and less frequently used meaning. It means to bring something into existence, often through a process.
  • Structure: elect + something + to be
  • Examples:
    • "The new law was elected to protect the environment." (The law was brought into effect.) - This is a slightly archaic way of saying "passed" or "enacted."
    • “The audience elected him to be the hero of the story.” (He was brought into the story’s role)

4. In Electrical Contexts (Technical)

  • Definition: In electronics, "elect" is part of the prefix "electro-", meaning “relating to electricity.”
  • Examples:
    • “Electromagnetic” (relating to electricity and magnetism)
    • “Electrode” (a conductor of electricity)

Key Points to Remember:

  • Context is crucial: The meaning of "elect" depends heavily on how it's used in the sentence.
  • Formal Language: "Elect" is generally considered more formal than words like "choose" or "select."
  • Voting is the primary association: Most people will understand "elect" to mean "to choose by voting."

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you encountering "elect" in? (e.g., news article, book, conversation?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you saw the word used?

Synonyms for the word elect

Practice with vocabulary elect

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The committee will ______ a new chairperson next month, focusing on leadership experience.
  2. Students can ______ to take advanced physics or calculus as their science elective.
  3. After much deliberation, the board decided to ______ the most viable candidate for the CEO position.
  4. The firm aims to ______ a significant market share in the renewable energy sector within five years.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following describes the process of formally choosing a leader through a vote?

    • a) To appoint
    • b) To designate
    • c) To elect
    • d) To nominate

  2. If you have the option to pursue an additional subject in your curriculum, you might...

    • a) Elect to specialize in it.
    • b) Select it as an optional module.
    • c) Choose to major in that field.
    • d) Decide against taking it.

  3. When presented with several viable paths for future company growth, the leadership team must...

    • a) Elect a direction.
    • b) Select a course of action.
    • c) Pick the most promising alternative.
    • d) Opt for the safest approach.

  4. To ensure all voices are heard, the team decided to ______ a spokesperson for the presentation.

    • a) Appoint
    • b) Designate
    • c) Nominate
    • d) Choose

  5. The manager will ______ the responsibility of overseeing the new project to Sarah, given her expertise.

    • a) Delegate
    • b) Allocate
    • c) Assign
    • d) Distribute

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The citizens cast their ballots to choose their new representatives.
    • Rewrite:
  2. Participation in the advanced seminar is optional for all graduate students.
    • Rewrite:
  3. The board chose to implement the new policy immediately.
    • Rewrite:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. elect
  2. elect
  3. select
  4. gain / achieve

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) To elect
  2. a) Elect to specialize in it, b) Select it as an optional module, c) Choose to major in that field
  3. a) Elect a direction, b) Select a course of action, c) Pick the most promising alternative, d) Opt for the safest approach
  4. a) Appoint, b) Designate, d) Choose
  5. a) Delegate, c) Assign

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The citizens elected their new representatives by casting their ballots.
  2. All graduate students can elect to participate in the advanced seminar.
  3. The board opted to implement the new policy without delay.

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