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What’s the Difference Between Select and Elect?

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Key Difference: We all came across the words Select and Elect while speaking in English.
And many people use them interchangeably. There is no mistake in that, but we ought to know the differences between them and use them accordingly. Typically, they slightly differentiate from each other. Because select is nothing but picking up or choosing something from a larger number or quantity. Whereas, elect is choosing someone for a higher position based on voting. In this guide, we will show you the difference between these words with proper explanations and examples.

Select: Kindly select the option.
Elect: Each team will elect two people to play the game.

SelectPinElectPin
Select Vs Elect

Select:

SelectPin

Pick out something.

The meaning of the word “Select” is choosing something from a set of things. In other words, pick out something from numerous things. Let’s see an example to make it clear for you. Enid told me, to let him select the course for his higher studies. From this statement, we might understand that Enid allows someone to choose the course for higher studies as per his/her wish. Here, we come up with another example for your reference. The student should select four core courses. From this statement, we might understand that every student would select four core courses.

How Do We Spell the Word Select?

The phonetics pronunciation of the word Select is sɪˈlɛkt. And this word sounds like the following audio.

Enunciation:

Syllabification refers to the process of division of words into smaller parts. It is commonly known as syllables. With its help, you can easily read and spell the word accurately. Here, you will see how to split the word “select” by syllables. 

  • The word “select” has two syllables
  • It can be divided into “Se-lect.”

Using “Select” in sentences:

  • We need to select the colors.
  • Let her select the course.
  • It is important to select a software package.
  • How do you select the clothes?
  • Select an option from the dialog box.

Elect:

ElectPin

Select someone based on votes.

The term “elect” represents selecting someone based on votes. Let’s see an example to make it clear for you. Go to the polls on Sunday to elect a new president. From this statement, we might understand that they elected a new president on Sunday. Here, we come up with another example for your reference. Next month we may elect a new leader. From this statement, we might understand that someone said that they will elect a new leader.

How Do We Spell the Word Elect?

Phonetics pronunciation of the word Elect is ɪˈlɛkt. And this word sounds like the following audio.

Enunciation:

Syllables are phonological building blocks of words. It divides the words into parts that can help you read words more accurately. Let’s see how to split the word “Elect” using syllables. Learning syllables can also help you to spell words correctly. 

  • The word “Elect” has two syllables.
  • It can be divided into “E-lect.”

Using “Elect” in sentences:

  • Each group will elect two members to play the game.
  • They voted to elect a new president.
  • You can elect to delete the message or save it.
  • I elect to stay.
  • The country goes to the polls on May 7th to elect local councilors.

Compare: Select and Elect

This table will show the contradiction between the words’ Select and Elect.

Select Elect
DefinitionIt refers to picking out something from a large quantity. Select someone based on votes for a higher position.
SynonymsChoose, pick, pick out, take, determinePick, select, return, appoint, put in
AntonymsInferior, mediocreVote out
Etymologymid 16th century: from Latin select- ‘chosen’, from the verb seligere, from se- ‘apart’ + legere ‘choose’.late Middle English: from Latin elect- ‘picked out’, from the verb eligere, from e- (variant of ex- ) ‘out’ + legere ‘to pick’.
ExamplesWe have to select a talented person.
Select an option.
We want her to select the clothes.
Just take your time to select the food.
The members could still elect local officers.
Should the people elect their representatives?
They have struggled to elect a leader.
You might elect to choose an accent for variety.
Select Vs Elect

Resources and References:

Resources: Cambridge Dictionary (Select, Elect), Merriam-Webster (Select, Elect), Collins Dictionary (Select, Elect), Dictionary.com (Select, Elect)
Reference: Dictionary.Cambridge.org[1], Merriam-Webster.com[2], CollinsDictionary.com[3], Dictionary.com[4].

  1. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/select
  2. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elect
  3. https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/select
  4. https://www.dictionary.com/browse/elect
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