block vote: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Political, Organizational
Quick answer
What does “block vote” mean?
A large number of votes cast together as a single unit, typically by a group delegate representing the collective decision of a union, organization, or bloc.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large number of votes cast together as a single unit, typically by a group delegate representing the collective decision of a union, organization, or bloc.
1. A system of voting where a single representative casts a vote representing a predetermined number of members. 2. A situation where a unified group wields decisive voting power, often influencing the outcome of an election or decision.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in British political and trade union contexts. In US usage, similar concepts are often described as "bloc voting," "proxy voting," or "unit voting."
Connotations
UK: Strongly associated with trade union conference voting and Labour Party selections. US: Less specific, can apply to any unified voting bloc (e.g., at a shareholder meeting).
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English; considered a semi-technical term.
Grammar
How to Use “block vote” in a Sentence
The [Union/Delegate] [cast/wielded/exercised] its block vote.The outcome was decided by the [Union's/Organization's] block vote.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “block vote” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A as a standard verb. 'To block-vote' is rare and non-standard.
American English
- N/A as a standard verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A as a standard adjective.
American English
- N/A as a standard adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
At the AGM, the investment fund used its block vote to oppose the merger.
Academic
The paper analyses the historical impact of the trade union block vote on British labour politics.
Everyday
The residents' association decided to use a block vote to show unanimous support for the new playground.
Technical
The constitutional amendment requires a simple majority, not accounting for block votes from affiliated societies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “block vote”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “block vote”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “block vote”
- Using 'block vote' as a verb (e.g., 'They will block vote the proposal'). Correct: 'They will use their block vote against the proposal.'
- Confusing with 'to vote to block something'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. A block vote is cast as a single unit representing a group's *decision*, which may have been reached by a simple majority within that group. The larger assembly sees it as a unanimous bloc, but the group itself may not have been unanimous.
No, by definition. A block vote refers to the aggregated voting power of a group, even if cast by a single delegate or representative.
They are closely related. 'Block voting' often describes the *system* or *act* of voting in blocs. A 'block vote' is the *entity* or *power* itself (the votes cast as a bloc).
This is a matter of debate. Proponents say it gives collective strength to large groups. Critics argue it can silence minority opinions within the group and give too much power to the person casting the vote.
A large number of votes cast together as a single unit, typically by a group delegate representing the collective decision of a union, organization, or bloc.
Block vote is usually formal, political, organizational in register.
Block vote: in British English it is pronounced /ˌblɒk ˈvəʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌblɑːk ˈvoʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To hold the block vote (to control it)”
- “To deliver the block vote (to ensure its support)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a solid BLOCK of wood. A BLOCK VOTE is like a solid, single block of voting power, not lots of little pieces.
Conceptual Metaphor
VOTING IS A PHYSICAL FORCE ("wield", "cast", "powerful", "decisive"). A GROUP IS A SINGLE ENTITY (the union "casts its vote").
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'block vote' MOST specifically used?