C1 verb Formal

ballot

/ˈbælət/

To decide a matter or elect a representative by casting secret votes, or to conduct a formal survey among a specific group—often union members—to determine a course of action. It implies a structured, often legal or official, process of gathering collective opinions.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The local sports club decided to ballot its members to see if they wanted to renovate the clubhouse.

The local sports club decided to ballot its members to see if they wanted to renovate the clubhouse.

2

The board of directors will ballot the shareholders regarding the proposed acquisition of the rival firm.

The board of directors will ballot the shareholders regarding the proposed acquisition of the rival firm.

3

We should just ballot the group to figure out which movie to watch tonight.

We should just ballot the group to figure out which movie to watch tonight.

Word Family

Noun
ballot
Verb
ballot
Adjective
balloted
Related
balloting
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Memory Tip

The word comes from the Italian 'ballotta', meaning a 'little ball'. Imagine people in ancient times dropping small colored balls into a box to make a secret choice.

Quick Quiz

The workers were _______ on whether they should accept the new three-year contract offered by the management.

Correct!

The correct answer is: balloted

Examples

1

The local sports club decided to ballot its members to see if they wanted to renovate the clubhouse.

everyday

The local sports club decided to ballot its members to see if they wanted to renovate the clubhouse.

2

The board of directors will ballot the shareholders regarding the proposed acquisition of the rival firm.

formal

The board of directors will ballot the shareholders regarding the proposed acquisition of the rival firm.

3

We should just ballot the group to figure out which movie to watch tonight.

informal

We should just ballot the group to figure out which movie to watch tonight.

4

Researchers balloted a representative sample of the population to gauge public sentiment on the environmental policy.

academic

Researchers balloted a representative sample of the population to gauge public sentiment on the environmental policy.

5

The trade union is required by law to ballot its members before calling for a nationwide strike.

business

The trade union is required by law to ballot its members before calling for a nationwide strike.

Word Family

Noun
ballot
Verb
ballot
Adjective
balloted
Related
balloting

Common Collocations

ballot the membership to poll the members of a group
ballot for a leader to vote for a leader
decide to ballot to make a choice to hold a vote
ballot on a proposal to vote on a specific plan or suggestion
secretly ballot to conduct a vote in private

Common Phrases

to be balloted

to be the subject of a vote

ballot rigging

illegal interference with the process of a vote

cast a ballot

to drop a physical or digital vote into the system

Often Confused With

ballot vs billet

A billet refers to a place where soldiers are lodged, whereas a ballot refers to a voting process.

ballot vs ballet

Ballet is a type of artistic dance, pronounced differently with the stress on the second syllable.

📝

Usage Notes

In British English, 'ballot' is very frequently used as a verb in the context of trade unions. In American English, 'vote' or 'poll' is more common as a verb, though 'ballot' is still understood and used in formal contexts.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'ballot' only as a noun. Remember that as a verb, it is transitive when you are polling a group (e.g., 'ballot the workers') but requires a preposition when voting for a person or on an issue (e.g., 'ballot for a candidate').

💡

Memory Tip

The word comes from the Italian 'ballotta', meaning a 'little ball'. Imagine people in ancient times dropping small colored balls into a box to make a secret choice.

📖

Word Origin

Originates from the Italian word 'ballotta' (little ball), referring to the small balls used to cast secret votes in Venice.

Grammar Patterns

Regular verb: balloted (past), balloting (present participle). Transitive use: [Subject] ballots [Group]. Intransitive use: [Subject] ballots for/on [Object].
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Cultural Context

The concept of balloting is central to the democratic identity of many nations, particularly regarding 'secret ballots' which ensure voters are free from intimidation.

Quick Quiz

The workers were _______ on whether they should accept the new three-year contract offered by the management.

Correct!

The correct answer is: balloted

Related Words

obgenly

C1

Describing qualities or characteristics that are intrinsic, fundamental, or naturally occurring within a specific category, class, or genus. It suggests that a trait is not acquired through external influence but is a core component of the entity's classification.

bilabancy

C1

To alternate or waver between two specific choices, conditions, or states in a rhythmic or repetitive manner. It describes both the physical movement of shifting weight and the mental process of indecision between two poles.

homomemy

C1

Describing a state of identical or near-perfect replication of a conceptual or structural unit within a system. It is used to characterize patterns where a 'meme' or fundamental component remains unchanged across various iterations or transmissions.

synformile

C1

A synformile is a specialized structural unit or component designed to precisely match or align with a corresponding external template or matrix. In technical contexts, it refers to an element that maintains spatial consistency and structural parity within a larger system.

antesophtion

C1

Describing a state, concept, or period existing before the attainment of philosophical wisdom or intellectual sophistication. It refers to rudimentary or naive perspectives that have not yet been refined by deep critical thought or scholarly maturity.

contrafidable

C1

To formally challenge or invalidate a statement or agreement by presenting evidence that contradicts a previously established position of trust. It is used primarily in legal or high-stakes contexts when one party acts against a confidential understanding.

autotegious

C1

To provide oneself with a protective covering or to self-shield against external environmental factors. It typically describes the action of an organism or system creating its own defensive layer or housing without outside assistance.

monoonymism

C1

The practice or state of being known by a single name (a mononym) rather than a multi-part name including a surname. This phenomenon is frequently observed in historical records, the arts, and specific cultural naming conventions.

proscribhood

C1

Relating to the state or quality of being officially forbidden, denounced, or legally excluded from society. It describes an entity, person, or practice that exists under a formal ban or a condition of social ostracism.

supercuracy

C1

A level of precision that exceeds standard or expected limits, often used in technical, scientific, or computational contexts to describe near-perfect accuracy. It signifies the achievement of performance that is significantly higher than conventional benchmarks, particularly in data processing or high-end instrumentation.

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