Word
election
Phoneticselec·tion
US/ɪˈɫɛkʃən/
UK/ɪlˈɛkʃən/
Definitions
01voting process
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. a formal event where people vote to choose a leader, such as a president or a member of parliament.
n. the formal process of selecting a representative or official by popular vote.
“The country is holding a general election next month to choose a new prime minister.”
“The upcoming general election has prompted intense debate regarding economic policy and healthcare reform across the nation.”
02the act of choosing
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the act of choosing someone for a job or position by voting.
n. the act or instance of electing someone to a specific office or position.
“Her election as class president surprised many of her classmates.”
“His unexpected election to the board of directors followed a series of high-profile departures within the executive team.”
Synonyms
03religious predestination
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Religion Technical · Formal
n. the belief in some Christian groups that God chooses certain people to be saved.
n. the theological doctrine of God's predestination of individuals for salvation.
“The preacher spoke about the doctrine of divine election during the service.”
“The concept of unconditional election remains a central tenet of traditional Calvinist theology, distinguishing it from other Protestant traditions.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “election” in context.
Verb
01. contest election
“Several new parties have emerged to contest the election.”
verb + noun
02. election looms
“Political tension is rising as the next election looms.”
noun + verb
03. election takes place
“The election takes place every four years in November.”
noun + verb
04. hold election
“The government decided to hold an election two years early.”
verb + noun
05. rig election
“Opposition leaders claimed the ruling party tried to rig the election.”
verb + noun
Adjective
06. presidential election
“The presidential election results will be announced tonight.”
adj + noun
07. fair election
“International observers were sent to ensure a free and fair election.”
adj + noun
08. general election
“The country is preparing for a general election next month.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. election campaign
“The party spent millions of dollars on their election campaign.”
noun + noun
10. election result
“The election result was a surprise to many political analysts.”
noun + noun
11. call a snap election
“The Prime Minister decided to call a snap election to secure a majority.”
12. outcome of the election
“The final outcome of the election remains uncertain.”
Real-World Examples
“The US Postal Service said Thursday it will takes a series of extraordinary measures to ensure the delivery of millions of ballots for next month's 2026 congressional elections, including extending hours at some retail branches.” “A U.S. judge dismissed on Thursday a federal criminal case accusing a noncitizen of voting in an election, finding that the statute criminalizing noncitizen voting was unconstitutional.” “The decision by Washington-based US District Judge Amir Ali marks the latest defeat for President Donald Trump in his bid to increase the federal government's authority over elections ahead of the November 3 midterms, when his Republicans are fighting to retain majorities in both houses of Congress.” “When Israel goes to the polls on 27 October, it really will be the most important election in the country’s history – and not just for Israelis.” Etymology
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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