vote
vote
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "vote" is /voʊt/.
/voʊt/
Word Form Variations
Noun: vote (singular), votes (plural)
Verb: vote (base form), votes (third person singular present), voting (present participle), voted (past simple, past participle)
Adjective: vote (used attributively, e.g., "vote count," "vote fraud"), voting (present participle used adjectivally)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A formal indication of a choice between two or more candidates or courses of action, expressed typically through a ballot or show of hands.
Synonyms: ballot, poll, franchise (right to vote), suffrage (right to vote), choice, decision
Antonyms: abstention, veto (if preventing a vote), dissent, rejection
Definition 2: The right to express a formal choice in an election or decision-making process.
Synonyms: franchise, suffrage, electoral right, say, voice
Antonyms: disenfranchisement, disenfranchisement, voicelessness, exclusion
Definition 3: The collective opinion or choice expressed by a group of people through voting.
Synonyms: consensus, mandate, opinion, voice, will
Antonyms: disagreement, division, opposition, minority
Definition 4: (Informal) A suggestion or opinion expressed.
Synonyms: opinion, suggestion, recommendation, say
Antonyms: command, order, dictate
Verb
Definition 1: To express a formal choice or opinion in an election, meeting, or decision-making process.
Synonyms: cast a ballot, poll, elect, choose, decide, opt for
Antonyms: abstain, abstain (from voting), veto (against), reject
Definition 2: To elect or choose (someone) or pass (a measure) by voting.
Synonyms: elect, choose, select, decide on, approve, ratify
Antonyms: reject, defeat, deny, veto, un-elect
Definition 3: To declare or pronounce (informal).
Synonyms: declare, pronounce, deem, consider, regard as
Antonyms: retract, deny, withhold (judgment)
Examples of Use
Books:
"The book explores the historical struggle for women's suffrage and the right to vote in democratic societies." (From a non-fiction book on history or political science)
"He knew that every single vote mattered in the upcoming election, and he urged everyone to participate." (Fictional example from a political thriller or social commentary novel)
"The hero had to make a crucial decision; the fate of the realm depended on his vote in the council." (Fictional example from a fantasy novel)
Newspapers:
"Parliament will vote on the controversial finance bill today, amid heated debates." (Daily Nation)
"A new poll indicates a strong youth vote turnout in the upcoming local elections." (The Standard)
"Human rights organizations are advocating for universal suffrage to ensure every citizen has the right to vote." (The New York Times)
Online Publications:
"How to register to vote in Kenya: A step-by-step guide for first-time voters." (An article on a civics education website, e.g., IEBC Kenya)
"Our online poll allows readers to vote for their favorite new tech gadget of the year." (A feature on a tech review website, e.g., CNET)
"The latest analysis of the presidential primaries predicts where the swing vote will land." (A political commentary article on "FiveThirtyEight.com)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "Vote for Pedro." (Slogan from Napoleon Dynamite, 2004, widely known)
Television Series: "For your next challenge, the public will vote to eliminate one contestant from the competition."(Instructions on a reality talent show, e.g., American Idol)
Song Lyrics: "You can vote for love or you can vote for hate, but only one will set you free." (From a protest or motivational song)
Video Games: "Your choices in this dialogue will lead to different outcomes; your final vote will determine the faction's fate." (In-game dialogue or consequence in an RPG, e.g., Mass Effect)
Podcasts: "In this episode, we delve into the history of the electoral college and how it influences the presidential vote." (A podcast on political science or history, e.g., Throughline)
General Public Discourse:
"Did you remember to vote in the last election?" (A common question)
"Every vote counts, so make sure yours is heard." (A common civic exhortation)
"We need to take a vote on where to go for dinner." (A common suggestion for group decision-making)
"I cast my vote for the independent candidate." (A statement about one's choice)
"The motion passed by a majority vote." (Describing the outcome of a decision)
"That's my vote for the best restaurant in Nairobi." (Informal, expressing a strong opinion)
"The new rule was passed by popular vote." (Describing a democratic process)
"Don't forget to vote for your favorite contestant!" (A common reminder)
10 Quotes Using Vote
"The ballot is stronger than the bullet." (Abraham Lincoln) - This implies the power of the vote.
"Every vote counts." (Common phrase, widely used in democratic contexts)
"Go to the polls and vote. Vote for the person that you think is going to take this country forward. Not backwards." (John Lewis)
"Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may vote and still lose the election." (John Quincy Adams)
"I believe in the power of the vote." (Lesser-known, but common political sentiment)
"A man without a vote is a man without protection." (Lyndon B. Johnson)
"Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting." (Franklin D. Roosevelt)
"Vote for Pedro." (Slogan from Napoleon Dynamite, 2004, widely known)
"The future of this country depends on your vote." (Common political campaign message)
"The most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed." (Steve Biko) - This relates to the power of the individual, which when combined through a vote, becomes a force.
Etymology
The word "vote" has a clear origin from Latin, through French.
It comes from the Old French word vot or vote.
This Old French word meant "vow," "promise," or "wish."
Vot, in turn, came from the Latin word vōtum.
In Latin, vōtum meant "a vow," "a promise (especially to a god)," or "a wish." It was the past participle of the verb vovēre, meaning "to vow" or "to promise."
So, the literal meaning embedded in the word is "a vow" or "a wish."
When "vote" first entered the English language, in the late 14th century (around 1390), its initial meaning was primarily "a solemn promise to God; a vow." You can still see this in phrases like "votive offering."
The meaning then shifted and broadened significantly:
By the early 17th century, it gained its modern political sense of "a formal expression of will or preference" (as in an election). This shift happened as the concept of democratic decision-making by expressing individual "wishes" or "choices" became more formalized.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Vote
To cast a vote: To formally make one's choice in an election or decision.
To go to a vote: For a motion or proposal to be put to a formal decision-making process.
Popular vote: The total number of individual votes cast for a candidate or party, as opposed to electoral votes.
Swing vote: A vote that has the potential to decide the outcome of an election or decision.
Vote of no confidence: A formal statement of disapproval from a legislative body, indicating a lack of trust in a leader or government.
To get out the vote: To encourage or persuade people to participate in an election.
Block vote: A vote cast by one person or party on behalf of a large group.
To split the vote: For votes that would otherwise go to one candidate to be divided among two or more, potentially allowing another candidate to win.
A decisive vote: A vote that determines the final outcome.
To win the popular vote: To receive the most individual votes in an election. (Synonymous with "winning by sheer numbers").
To have a say: To have an opportunity to express one's opinion or influence a decision. (Synonymous with "having a vote").
To poll the electorate: To survey voters. (Related to collecting "votes").
To secure a mandate: To gain official authority, usually through a public vote. (Synonymous with "winning the vote").
A voice in the matter: An opinion or influence on a decision. (Synonymous with having a "vote" on an issue).
To count the ballots: To tally the votes cast.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of vote from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
