elect
/ɪˈlɛkt/
verb
Origin
Latin
ēligō — to pick out, choose
Overview
Meaning Now
- To select someone for a position or office through a vote.
- To choose or opt to do something.
Literal older meaning
to pick out or select from among others
Language path
Proto-Indo-European → Latin → Middle English → English
Earliest form
electe
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The term entered English during the late Middle Ages, initially often with theological connotations regarding the 'elect' (those chosen for salvation), later expanding into political and general secular contexts of decision-making.
Evolution
- Proto-Indo-European
*leǵ-
“to gather, collect, speak”
Base form implying picking or selecting.
- Latin
ēligō
“to pick out, choose”
Formed from ē- (out) + legō (to gather).
- Latin
ēlēctus
“chosen, selected”
Past participle of ēligō.
- Middle English
electen
“to choose by vote or selection”
Adapted from the Latin participle.
- Modern English
elect
“to select by vote”
Standardized usage.
Connections
Word parts
e-
prefix
out
lect
root
gather, pick
Related across languages
French
élire
to elect
Spanish
elegir
to choose
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Related to elect
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.