To formally express an opinion by choosing between two or more issues, people, etc.
Vote is a word regularly being used in the media at present as the UK political parties attempt to encourage all citizens to vote in their favour on Thursday 8th June. Many householders will also have heard the word used by canvassers as they move from door to door attempting to garner support for their candidate in the election.
The word is from the Latin, ‘votum’, meaning a vow and a wish. Vote came into common usage during the middle of the 16th century.
vote
1. [INTRANSITIVE/TRANSITIVE] to formally express an opinion by choosing between two or more issues, people etc
vote on: The Council will vote on the proposal next Friday.
vote for/in favour of/against: 68 per cent of the union voted against striking.
a. [INTRANSITIVE] to show your choice of a person or an issue in an election
I’ve already voted.
register to vote (=sign a piece of paper so that you can vote): In Britain, you can register to vote when you are 18.
b. [TRANSITIVE] to choose something or someone to win a prize or an honour
vote someone (as) something: She was voted ‘Actress of the Year’ by other Hollywood stars.
2. [INTRANSITIVE/TRANSITIVE] INFORMAL to suggest what you would like to do in a particular situation
vote (that): I vote that we go swimming.
vote for: I vote for eating before we watch the video.
