election

The word “election” means a formal process in which people vote to choose leaders or representatives. In plain terms, the process of voting to pick leaders or representatives.

“Election” is pronounced ih-LEHKSHN (/ɪˈlɛkʃ(ə)n/ in IPA).

Here is “election” used in a sentence: “The election is scheduled for early November.”

Words with a similar meaning to “election” include chosenness.

“Election” is a noun.

The word “election” comes from Latin. From Latin electio, "a choosing," from eligere, "to choose.".

“Election” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

In an election, people vote to choose leaders or representatives, such as a president or members of parliament. In a referendum, people vote directly on a specific question or policy rather than for a person. An election picks who governs; a referendum decides an issue directly.

Elections include general elections that fill a whole legislature, presidential elections for a head of state, local elections for councils and mayors, and primary elections that choose a party's candidate. By-elections fill a single vacant seat. The type depends on which offices are being decided.

Elections give citizens a peaceful, formal way to choose their leaders and hold them accountable. They transfer power based on the will of voters rather than force or inheritance, which is a cornerstone of democratic government. Regular elections let people change direction without conflict.

A national vote to choose a president or prime minister is a classic example, as is a local vote to elect a mayor or city council. In each case, people cast votes to decide who will represent or lead them, which is the heart of an election.