What is election? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of election

electionnoun

/ɪˈlɛkʃn/
Definition & pronunciation of election

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "election." It can be a tricky one for non-native speakers! Here's a breakdown:

The Standard Pronunciation (Most Common):

  • ih-LEC-shun

Let's break that down further:

  • ih: Like the "i" in "it." Short and crisp.
  • LEC: This is the key part. It sounds like "leck" - like "lecture," but shorter and with a slightly hardening of the "e" sound. It's a diphthong - a combination of two vowel sounds blending together.
  • shun: Like "sun," but with a “sh” sound at the beginning.

Here's a helpful way to think about it:

Imagine you're saying "I select-shun." That gets you pretty close!

Resources to Hear It:

Important Note: There are very slight regional variations, but the "ih-LEC-shun" pronunciation is overwhelmingly the standard in American and British English.

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some minimal pairs to practice (words that differ by only one sound – like “election” vs. “invention” or “reduction”)

Usage and examples with the word election in English

Let's break down how to use the word "election" in English. It's a common word with a few nuances.

1. Basic Definition:

  • What it is: An election is a formal process where people vote to choose someone or something to hold an office or make a decision.

2. Common Usages & Phrases:

  • "Hold an election": This means to organize and conduct an election.
    • Example: “The government will hold an election next year.”
  • "General election": This refers to a national election to choose leaders for the entire country.
    • Example: “The general election in 2024 will decide the next prime minister.”
  • "Local election": This is an election for local offices like mayor, city council, or school board.
    • Example: “The local election saw a record turnout.”
  • "Presidential election": Specifically, an election to choose a president.
    • Example: “The presidential election is a major event in the United States.”
  • "Upcoming election": An election that is scheduled to happen soon.
    • Example: “There’s an upcoming election – make sure you’re registered to vote.”
  • "Election results": The outcome of an election – who won.
    • Example: “The election results were announced late last night.”
  • "Election campaign": The period of time when candidates try to win an election.
    • Example: “The election campaign is becoming increasingly heated.”
  • "To vote in an election": To participate in an election by casting a ballot.
    • Example: “Citizens have the right to vote in an election.”

3. Sentence Examples (Various Contexts):

  • Formal: “The annual shareholder election will be held on July 15th.” (Referring to a vote on company matters)
  • News Report: “The opposition party is hoping to win the election and change the country’s policy.”
  • Conversation: “I need to make sure I'm registered to vote in the election.”
  • Political Analysis: “Analysts predict a close election.”

4. Related Words:

  • Candidate: A person running in an election.
  • Ballot: The paper or electronic form used to cast a vote.
  • Voter: A person who votes.
  • Polling place: The location where people go to vote.
  • Election cycle: The period between elections.

Resources for More Information:

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

  • What are you specifically trying to do with the word "election"? (e.g., write an essay, have a conversation, understand a news article?)

Synonyms for the word election

Practice with vocabulary election

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The country is gearing up for a crucial national ____ next month to decide its future leadership.
  2. Despite widespread support, the candidate ultimately lost the mayoral ____ by a narrow margin.
  3. Political parties are busy with their latest ____ efforts, trying to sway undecided voters before voting day.
  4. The government called for a national ____ on the proposed constitutional amendment, allowing citizens direct input.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The nationwide event to select new government leaders is commonly referred to as a(n) ____. (A) election (B) campaign (C) inauguration (D) assembly

  2. Which of the following terms are directly associated with the process of choosing political representatives? (A) election (B) campaign (C) suffrage (D) constituency (E) referendum

  3. In democratic systems, citizens cast their votes to choose various types of representatives during a ____. (A) general election (B) by-election (C) midterm election (D) primary election (E) run-off election

  4. The final ____ results were announced late last night, surprising many analysts with the unexpected outcome. (A) survey (B) polling (C) vote (D) referendum

  5. The movement fought tirelessly to expand ____ to all adult citizens, regardless of gender or race. (A) nomination (B) franchise (C) candidacy (D) enfranchisement

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite the sentence to use the word "election": The country is getting ready for its nationwide vote to choose new leaders.

  2. Rewrite the sentence to use a related word form of "election": The candidate campaigned hard to win votes for the upcoming presidential contest.

  3. Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement word for "election" or "vote": The community held a vote to decide on the new park development project.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The country is gearing up for a crucial national election next month to decide its future leadership.
  2. Despite widespread support, the candidate ultimately lost the mayoral election by a narrow margin.
  3. Political parties are busy with their latest campaign efforts, trying to sway undecided voters before voting day.
  4. The government called for a national referendum on the proposed constitutional amendment, allowing citizens direct input.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. (A) election
  2. (A) election, (B) campaign, (C) suffrage, (D) constituency, (E) referendum
  3. (A) general election, (B) by-election, (C) midterm election, (D) primary election, (E) run-off election
  4. (B) polling, (C) vote
  5. (B) franchise, (D) enfranchisement

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The country is getting ready for its national election to choose new leaders.
  2. The candidate campaigned hard to win votes for the upcoming presidential electoral contest.
  3. The community held a referendum to decide on the new park development project.

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