verb (used with object)
- to choose or select by vote, as for an office: to elect a mayor.
- to determine in favor of (a method, course of action, etc.).
- to pick out; choose: First-year students may elect French, Spanish, or German.
- Theology. (of God) to select for divine mercy or favor, especially for salvation.
verb (used without object)
- to choose or select someone or something, as by voting.
adjective
- selected, as for an office, but not yet inducted (usually used in combination following a noun): the governor-elect.
- select or choice: an elect circle of artists.
- Theology. chosen by God, especially for eternal life.
noun the elect,
- a person or the persons chosen or worthy to be chosen.
- Theology. a person or persons chosen by God, especially for favor or salvation.
verb
- (tr) to choose (someone) to be (a representative or a public official) by votingthey elected him Mayor
- to select; chooseto elect to die rather than surrender
- (tr) (of God) to select or predestine for the grace of salvation
adjective
- (immediately postpositive) voted into office but not yet installedthe president elect
-
- chosen or choice; selected or elite
- (as collective noun; preceded by the)the elect
- Christianity
- selected or predestined by God to receive salvation; chosen
- (as collective noun; preceded by the)the elect
early 15c., from Latin electus, past participle of eligere “to pick out, choose” (see election). Related: Elected; electing.
early 15c., from Latin electus, past participle of eligere (see election).