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election

n.
US //ɪˈɫɛkʃən// UK //ɪlˈɛkʃən// elec·tion
  1. 1 voting process (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a formal event where people vote to choose a leader, such as a president or a member of parliament.

    the formal process of selecting a representative or official by popular vote.

    Example

    The country is holding a general election next month to choose a new prime minister.

    Example

    The upcoming general election has prompted intense debate regarding economic policy and healthcare reform across the nation.

  2. 2 the act of choosing (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of choosing someone for a job or position by voting.

    the act or instance of electing someone to a specific office or position.

    Example

    Her election as class president surprised many of her classmates.

    Example

    His unexpected election to the board of directors followed a series of high-profile departures within the executive team.

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  1. 3 religious predestination (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Formal Religion

    the belief in some Christian groups that God chooses certain people to be saved.

    the theological doctrine of God's predestination of individuals for salvation.

    Example

    The preacher spoke about the doctrine of divine election during the service.

    Example

    The concept of unconditional election remains a central tenet of traditional Calvinist theology, distinguishing it from other Protestant traditions.

    • predestination
Origin

From Middle English eleccioun, eleccion, from Anglo-Norman eleccioun, from Latin ēlectiōn-, stem of ēlectiō (“choice, selection”), from ēligō (“to pluck out, to choose”). Equivalent to elect + -ion.

Word family

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