ENGLISH
REFERENCE

elected

v.
B1 Intermediate US //ɪˈɫɛktəd// UK //ɪlˈɛktɪd// elect·ed

v. to choose someone for a job or position by voting. You use this when a group of people makes a formal decision together.

v. to select a candidate for a public office or position of authority through a formal voting process. Transitive — requires a direct object, often followed by a complement naming the position.


SIMPLE

The citizens elected a new mayor yesterday.

CONTEXTUAL

The committee members elected a new chairperson to lead the discussions for the next three years.

COMPLEX

After weeks of intense campaigning and public debate, the student body elected a representative who promised to prioritise mental health resources and campus safety.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and often takes an object complement (e.g., 'elected him president').

Pitfall

The people elected for himThe people elected himElect is a transitive verb and takes a direct object without a preposition.

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference