vote
B1neutral
Definition
Meaning
to formally express a choice or opinion in a decision-making process, typically by marking a ballot or raising a hand
to indicate a preference or show support for something in a less formal context; the collective result of such choices; the right to participate in such a process
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Can function as both a verb (action) and a noun (the action itself, the right, or the collective result). Often implies a formal or official context, but can be used informally (e.g., 'vote on where to eat').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor spelling differences in derived forms (e.g., 'voting' vs. 'voting' is same, but 'vote-getter' may be hyphenated differently). The noun 'vote' can refer to a parliamentary division in UK politics.
Connotations
In UK English, 'the vote' historically emphasised the struggle for suffrage. In US English, it's strongly tied to constitutional rights and frequent elections.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties due to political systems.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
vote (on something)vote for/against somebody/somethingvote to do somethingvote somebody into/out of officevote something downVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “vote with your feet”
- “vote with your wallet”
- “a vote of no confidence”
- “get out the vote”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Shareholders will vote on the merger proposal at the AGM.
Academic
The study analyses how demographic factors influence vote choice.
Everyday
Let's vote on which film to watch tonight.
Technical
The committee used a preferential voting system to rank the candidates.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Residents will vote in the local council elections next Thursday.
- Parliament voted to increase funding for the NHS.
American English
- Citizens can vote early at designated polling centers.
- The Senate voted down the bill.
adverb
British English
- The motion passed vote unanimously.
- They decided vote by show of hands.
American English
- The measure failed vote-wise.
- He campaigned vote aggressively in the Midwest.
adjective
British English
- The vote share for the party increased marginally.
- They conducted a vote recount.
American English
- The voting population is highly diverse.
- She is a vote-getter in key swing states.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We vote for class president every year.
- Did you vote in the election?
- The committee will vote on the proposal tomorrow.
- She won the election by a large number of votes.
- If you don't agree with the policy, you should vote with your wallet.
- The bill was passed with a majority vote of 65%.
- The referendum result was undermined by allegations of vote tampering.
- Strategic voting can sometimes lead to unintended political consequences.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BOAT. You cast your VOTE to keep the country (or decision) afloat.
Conceptual Metaphor
VOTING IS A WEIGHT (a vote carries weight, a heavyweight vote); VOTING IS A JOURNEY (get out the vote, go to the polls).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'голос' for the action itself—it's 'голосование'. 'Vote' as a noun (the right) is 'право голоса'.
- Do not confuse 'vote for' (голосовать за) with 'vote against' (голосовать против).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I voted him as president.' Correct: 'I voted for him for president.' or 'I voted him into office.'
- Incorrect: 'Let's make a vote.' Correct: 'Let's take a vote.' or 'Let's vote.'
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'vote with your feet' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a regular verb. The past tense and past participle are 'voted'.
'Vote for' is used for choosing a person or option. 'Vote on' is used for deciding about a proposal, issue, or motion.
Yes, when referring to the right or system itself (e.g., 'the introduction of universal vote'). More commonly, it's countable (e.g., 'cast your vote').
It is a formal process in a parliament or similar body where members vote to show they do not support the current leader or government, which can force a resignation or election.