elect Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an exclusive group of people
    chosen.
    • one of the elect who have power inside the government
  2. verb select by a vote for an office or membership
    • We elected him chairman of the board
  3. verb choose
    • I elected to have my funds deposited automatically
  4. adjective satellite selected as the best
    elite.
    • an elect circle of artists
    • elite colleges
  5. adjective satellite elected but not yet installed in office
    • the president elect

WordNet

E*lect" adjective
Etymology
L. electus, p. p. of eligere to elect; e out + legere to choose. See Legend, and cf. Elite, Eclectic.
Definitions
  1. Chosen; taken by preference from among two or more. "Colors quaint elect." Spenser.
  2. (Theol.) Chosen as the object of mercy or divine favor; set apart to eternal life. "The elect angels." 1 Tim. v. 21.
  3. Chosen to an office, but not yet actually inducted into it; as, bishop elect; governor or mayor elect.
E*lect" noun
Definitions
  1. One chosen or set apart.
    Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth. Is. xlii. 1.
  2. pl. (Theol.) Those who are chosen for salvation.
    Shall not God avenge his won elect? Luke xviii. 7.
E*lect" transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Elected; present participle & verbal noun Electing
Definitions
  1. To pick out; to select; to choose.
    The deputy elected by the Lord. Shak.
  2. To select or take for an office; to select by vote; as, to elect a representative, a president, or a governor.
  3. (Theol.) To designate, choose, or select, as an object of mercy or favor. Syn. -- To choose; prefer; select. See Choose.

Webster 1913