elect

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   selected as the best

   an elect circle of artists

2. 2
   noun

   an exclusive group of people

   one of the elect who have power inside the government

3. 3
   verb

   choose

   I elected to have my funds deposited automatically

4. 4
   verb

   select by a vote for an office or membership

   We elected them chair of the board.

5. 5
   noun

   In Calvinist theology, one foreordained to Heaven. In other Christian theologies, someone chosen by God for salvation.

   Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth.

6. 6
   verb

   To choose (a candidate) in an election.

   President Obama in a speech this past week said that we should solve the nation's bee problem. Oh, God, we elected a guy who sympathizes with bees?

7. 7
   adj

   Who has been elected in a specified post, but has not yet entered office.

   He is the President elect.

8. 8
   adj

   Chosen; taken by preference from among two or more.

   colours quaint elect

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin ēlēctus, past participle of ēligō (“to pick out, choose, elect”), from ē- (“out”) + legō (“to pick out, pick, gather, collect, etc.”); see legend. Cognate to eclectic, which is via Ancient Greek rather than Latin, hence prefix ἐκ (ek), rather than e- (from ex).