ballot
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 5The 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.
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.
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
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
The local sports club decided to ballot its members to see if they wanted to renovate the clubhouse.
everydayThe local sports club decided to ballot its members to see if they wanted to renovate the clubhouse.
The board of directors will ballot the shareholders regarding the proposed acquisition of the rival firm.
formalThe board of directors will ballot the shareholders regarding the proposed acquisition of the rival firm.
We should just ballot the group to figure out which movie to watch tonight.
informalWe should just ballot the group to figure out which movie to watch tonight.
Researchers balloted a representative sample of the population to gauge public sentiment on the environmental policy.
academicResearchers balloted a representative sample of the population to gauge public sentiment on the environmental policy.
The trade union is required by law to ballot its members before calling for a nationwide strike.
businessThe trade union is required by law to ballot its members before calling for a nationwide strike.
Word Family
Common Collocations
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
A billet refers to a place where soldiers are lodged, whereas a ballot refers to a voting process.
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
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
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