What is elect? Pronunciation and usage in English

elect means . Learn how to pronounce and use elect through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of elect

electverb

/ɪˈlɛkt/
Definition & pronunciation of elect

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "elect" in English. It's a tricky one because it doesn't follow typical English pronunciation rules!

Here’s the most common and accepted pronunciation:

** /ˈɪlɪkt/**

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • “i”: Pronounced like the “i” in “bit” – a short, quick “ih” sound.
  • “li”: Pronounced like “lee” as in the name “Lee.”
  • “kt”: This is the tricky part. It’s pronounced like “kt” in “basket”. It’s not like “elect” as in “electricity.”

Putting it together: It sounds roughly like "ih-leet"

Tips and Considerations:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word "elect"?

Usage and examples with the word elect in English

Let's break down how to use the word "elect" in English. It has several distinct meanings and uses, so it's important to understand the context.

1. To Choose by Voting (The Most Common Meaning)

  • Definition: To formally choose someone or something by voting.
  • Structure: elect + someone/something + as + position/role
  • Examples:
    • "The voters elected John Smith as mayor." (He was chosen by voting.)
    • "The committee will elect a new chairperson next week." (They will choose someone through a vote.)
    • "The students elected a new student council." (A group was chosen by a student vote.)

2. To Choose or Select in a More General Sense (Not Necessarily by Formal Voting)

  • Definition: To choose or select something with care and deliberation. This less common usage often implies a more conscious and thoughtful selection than just "choose."
  • Structure: elect + something
  • Examples:
    • "She elected to stay at home and raise her children." (She deliberately chose this option.)
    • "The company elected to postpone the launch of the new product." (They consciously decided to delay.)
    • "He elected to forgive his friend." (He deliberately chose to show forgiveness.)

3. (Less Common) To Generate or Produce Something (Figurative)

  • Definition: This is a more formal and less frequently used meaning. It means to bring something into existence, often through a process.
  • Structure: elect + something + to be
  • Examples:
    • "The new law was elected to protect the environment." (The law was brought into effect.) - This is a slightly archaic way of saying "passed" or "enacted."
    • “The audience elected him to be the hero of the story.” (He was brought into the story’s role)

4. In Electrical Contexts (Technical)

  • Definition: In electronics, "elect" is part of the prefix "electro-", meaning “relating to electricity.”
  • Examples:
    • “Electromagnetic” (relating to electricity and magnetism)
    • “Electrode” (a conductor of electricity)

Key Points to Remember:

  • Context is crucial: The meaning of "elect" depends heavily on how it's used in the sentence.
  • Formal Language: "Elect" is generally considered more formal than words like "choose" or "select."
  • Voting is the primary association: Most people will understand "elect" to mean "to choose by voting."

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you encountering "elect" in? (e.g., news article, book, conversation?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you saw the word used?

Synonyms for the word elect

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