elect
/ɪˈlekt/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪˈlekt/ (ame, ipa) · /i-ˈlekt/ (ame, mw) · /iˈlekt/ (bre, ipa)
elect — verb
- electpresent simple I / you / we / they
- electshe / she / it
- electedpast simple
- electing-ing form
1. to choose someone for an official position or public role by casting votes in an
to choose someone for an official position or public role by casting votes in an election
Club members elected Christopher as their new treasurer at the annual meeting.
elect + somebody + as + position
Nora was elected to the student council by a large number of votes.
passive: be elected + to + institution
Citizens in the district will elect a new mayor in November this year.
The committee elected Niran to represent them at the state conference.
文法句型
elect somebody + as + position
elect somebody + to + institution
be elected + position
用法筆記
Frequently used in the passive voice. In American English, 'as' after 'elect' is often dropped when followed by a title: 'She was elected president' (not 'elected as president').
常見錯誤
2. to make a deliberate choice to follow a particular course of action, often after
to make a deliberate choice to follow a particular course of action, often after thinking about it carefully
Many good students elect to study abroad for one year during college.
elect + to-infinitive
After the flood ruined their home, the Chen family elected to move somewhere safer.
elect + to-infinitive with causal context
Selim elected to take the back roads to escape the heavy traffic this morning.
Sophia elected to stay quiet rather than argue with her cousin at the family dinner.
文法句型
elect + to-infinitive
用法筆記
More formal than 'choose' or 'decide to'. Only takes a to-infinitive complement — never a gerund ('elect doing' is incorrect). Often used for decisions that carry weight or seriousness.
常見錯誤
elect — noun
1. in Christian, Jewish, and Islamic traditions, those people whom God has chosen f
in Christian, Jewish, and Islamic traditions, those people whom God has chosen for salvation or a special spiritual purpose
The idea of the elect appears throughout the Old Testament and other early writings.
the + elect (always with definite article)
The pastor explained that the elect are called to serve their neighbors with kindness.
In Christian belief, the elect receive God's grace and are saved from punishment.
The prophet described a future in which the elect would live in peace and plenty.
- the chosen
more general; not exclusively religious
- the saved
narrower; refers only to those granted salvation
- the faithful
broader; includes all believers, not just those predestined
- the damned
in religious contexts, those condemned to punishment
- the lost
those who have not received salvation
文法句型
the elect
用法筆記
Almost always preceded by 'the' (the elect). In modern religious contexts, often paired with 'the chosen people' in the Judeo-Christian tradition. Rare in everyday speech — primarily found in biblical commentary, theology, and sermons.
常見錯誤
2. a small, carefully chosen set of individuals widely seen as the most gifted or c
a small, carefully chosen set of individuals widely seen as the most gifted or capable within a given area
Only the elect among the science students were invited to join the research program.
the elect among + group
The awards ceremony honored the elect of this year's film and theater industry.
Being among the elect at the music academy meant performing on special occasions.
The business conference was open only to the elect of the international banking world.
- the elite
more common in everyday use; can have neutral or negative connotations
- the select few
emphasises small size of the group
- the chosen few
carries a sense of special privilege or destiny
- the masses
the general population, lacking special distinction
- the rank and file
ordinary members of a group, not the leadership
文法句型
the elect
用法筆記
Always takes the definite article. Strongly formal or literary in tone. In modern usage, 'elite' or 'select few' are more frequent alternatives.
常見錯誤
elect — adjective
- electpositive
- more electcomparative
- most electsuperlative
1. used immediately after a political title for someone who has won an election to
used immediately after a political title for someone who has won an election to that position and is waiting to officially take up the role
The president-elect gave a short speech thanking her supporters on election night.
title + elect (postpositive)
The governor-elect met with the current governor to discuss the transition of power.
The prime minister-elect began choosing cabinet members before taking official office.
The mayor-elect promised to build more parks and improve public transportation.
文法句型
title + elect
用法筆記
Always placed AFTER the noun it modifies — never before. A hyphen is standard between the title and 'elect'. Common titles: president-elect, governor-elect, prime minister-elect, mayor-elect. The term is used during the transition period between election day and inauguration day.
常見錯誤
2. chosen for excellence from among many candidates; hand-picked because of outstan
chosen for excellence from among many candidates; hand-picked because of outstanding qualities
An elect group of young dancers received scholarships to study at top training schools.
elect + noun (attributive position)
Only an elect few are chosen for the special training program each summer.
The elect members of the orchestra performed at the ambassador's private dinner.
The chef prepared a separate menu for the elect guests at the charity event.
- select
more common; also means carefully chosen but less formal
- hand-picked
emphasises personal choice by an authority
- choice
describes high quality, often of consumer goods
文法句型
elect + noun
用法筆記
Almost always used before a noun (attributive position). Sounds quite formal or even archaic in modern English. In everyday speech, 'select' or 'hand-picked' are more natural alternatives. Often paired with 'few' (an elect few).