WordGarden.iovote
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /vˈəʊt/
US
- /ˈvoʊt/
Meanings
Noun
a formal expression of choice in an election or decision
the right to vote in an election
Verb
to express a choice or decide formally in an election or meeting
Beyond the definition
To vote is to show your choice, usually in an election or when a group needs to make a decision. People vote for leaders, ideas, or plans, and the choice with the most support often wins. A class might vote on a trip, a committee might vote on a proposal, and citizens vote in public elections. In all of these cases, voting is a way to take part and make your opinion count.
The word "vote" is about showing a choice in a formal or organized way. Most often, it means to express your preference in an election by casting a ballot for a candidate, party, or public question. "Citizens over 18 are eligible to vote in national elections."
But "vote" is not used only in politics. It is also used when a group makes a decision together. For example: "The committee will vote on which proposal to adopt," or "Let's vote on where we should go for dinner." In this sense, it means choosing between options in a clear, shared way.
You might even hear the phrase "vote with your feet," meaning to express disapproval by leaving a place or activity. "Customers were voting with their feet and leaving the poorly run store."
The noun "vote" refers to the act of casting a ballot or the total number of ballots cast in favor of something. "She received a majority of the votes," or "It was a close vote!"
Historically, voting rights were not always universal. Many groups fought hard for the right to have their voices heard through the power of the vote. So when you vote, it is not just about choosing. It is also about taking part in a long and important tradition of self-government.
Examples
- 1
National election
Millions of people voted in the national election.
- 2
Candidate choice
I voted for her because she seemed honest.
- Patternvote for + person/option
choose and support them in a vote
- 3
Legislative opposition
Most senators voted against the bill.
- Patternvote against + proposal/law
choose not to support it in a vote
- 4
Formal decision
The council will vote on the proposal tomorrow.
- Patternvote on + proposal/issue
decide it formally by voting
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Rule change
Members voted to change the rules.
- Patternvote to do something
decide by voting that something should happen
- 6
Removing leader
Party members voted him out as leader after the scandal.
- Patternvote someone out
remove someone from a position by voting
- 7
Vote result
The final vote was 52 to 48.
- 8
Online voting
You can cast your vote online this year.
- Phrasecast your vote
officially give your vote
- 9
Voting rights
Women fought for the vote for many years.
- Phrasethe vote
the right to vote
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- votenounverb
Forms
- votespluralnounverb
- votedpast tenseverbnoun
- voting-ing formverbnoun