block vote: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

C1
UK/ˌblɒk ˈvəʊt/US/ˌblɑːk ˈvoʊt/

Formal, Political, Organizational

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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.

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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

strong
cast a block votewield a block voteunion block votedelegate's block vote
medium
powerful block votedecisive block voteblock vote systemexercise the block vote
weak
large block voteopposing block voteinfluence of the block vote

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

proxy vote (in some contexts)weighted vote

Neutral

bloc votecollective voteunit vote

Weak

mass voteunified vote

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “block vote”

individual votesecret ballotsplit 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

Fill in the gap
At the conference, the motion was carried by the of the transport workers' union.
Multiple Choice

In which context is 'block vote' MOST specifically used?

block vote: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples | Lingvocore