election
election — noun
1. An event in which the people of a country, state, or organization vote to decide
An event in which the people of a country, state, or organization vote to decide who will hold a position of authority or to make a decision on a public issue.
Nellie was nervous as she waited in line to cast her vote in the presidential election.
collocation: cast (one's) vote in the election
The outcome of the election was not announced until every ballot had been counted by hand.
passive: outcome of the election was announced
Before a national election, Femi's family compares the candidates' records on education and healthcare.
Voter turnout in the local election was much higher than expected, with long queues at polling stations across the district.
A televised debate between the two main candidates changed many people's minds only days before the election.
- vote
Vote can be a noun meaning an individual instance of choosing, while election refers to the entire event. 'She cast her vote in the election.'
- ballot
Ballot refers specifically to the paper or system used for voting, or a round of voting. 'The ballot was secret.'
- poll
Poll can mean the voting process itself or a survey of opinions. 'The poll opened at 7 a.m.'
文法句型
the [adjective] election
hold / call / win / lose an election
in / during / at the election
用法筆記
This is the most common meaning of election. The noun is countable: you can say an election or elections. The type of election is usually specified with an adjective before it (presidential election, general election, local election) or a noun modifier (city election, school-board election).
常見錯誤
2. The condition of being chosen for a role or office through a vote, often announc
The condition of being chosen for a role or office through a vote, often announced after a campaign and formal counting of ballots.
Sari's election as class president surprised no one, since she had organised the most student events.
collocation: election as [role]
Following her election to the board of directors, Antonia immediately proposed a new environmental policy for the company.
collocation: election to [institution]
The committee announced Tunde's election in an email to all members the morning after the final vote.
The new mayor's election was celebrated with a small gathering at the town hall on Friday evening.
- appointment
Appointment is being chosen by a person or small group, not by a vote of many people. 'Her appointment as director was made by the CEO.'
- selection
Selection is broader and can happen through any method, not just voting. 'His selection for the team was based on skill.'
- rejection
Being turned down or not chosen for a position.
文法句型
[possessive] election as [role]
[possessive] election to [institution]
following / after [possessive] election
用法筆記
In this sense, election refers to the status or fact of having been chosen, not the event itself. It is uncountable and typically appears with a possessive (her election, his election) or with as/to (election as treasurer, election to the committee). Distinguish from sense 1: 'The election took place on Tuesday' (event) vs 'Her election was a historic moment' (status).
常見錯誤
3. The power or freedom to choose between different options or possibilities in a p
The power or freedom to choose between different options or possibilities in a personal, legal, or professional setting.
The contract gave the buyer the right of election to accept or reject the goods within thirty days.
formal/legal: right of election
In some legal systems, a person who lost money must elect between ways to be repaid.
collocation: make an election between
The old will gave the grandchildren an election to divide the property equally or sell it and share the money.
The terms of the contract gave each partner an election to take profits in cash or shares.
- choice
Choice is the everyday word; election in this sense is much more formal. 'You have a choice between two options.'
- option
Option emphasises one of several possible alternatives rather than the act of choosing. 'We have three options to consider.'
- preference
Preference is about which option you like more, not the act of choosing itself. 'My preference is the earlier flight.'
文法句型
right / freedom / power of election
have the election of [options]
make an election between [options]
用法筆記
This sense is formal and fairly rare in everyday English. You are most likely to encounter it in legal documents, formal contracts, or philosophical discussions. In ordinary speech, choice or option is used instead. Example: 'You have the right of election' (formal) vs 'You have the right to choose' (everyday).