What does "self-elect" mean?
The self-appointed elite.
Self-elect
adj, noun, verb
adj, noun, verb ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The self-appointed elite.
- Grammar: self-elect is listed as adj, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: insolent, overweening, presumptuous, self-appointed.
- Usage evidence: In the fundamental part he therefore argues: “Truly good works are not self-elected works of monastic or any other holiness, but such only as God has commanded, and as are comprehended within the bounds of one's particular calling, and all works.
How to use "self-elect"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "self-elect" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "self-elect" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "self-elect" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "self-elect" is acting as adj, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "insolent" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The self-appointed elite. countable, uncountable
"Meantime the minister ascended the pulpit-stair, with all the solemnity of one of the self-elect, and a priest besides."
- 2 A volunteer. countable, uncountable
"Most of the volunteers had departed for the winter, leaving behind three hundred self-elects."
Verb
- 1 To self-select; to choose for oneself, rather than having another choose for one.
"In the fundamental part he therefore argues: “Truly good works are not self-elected works of monastic or any other holiness, but such only as God has commanded, and as are comprehended within the bounds of one's particular calling, and all works."
- 2 To self-appoint; to volunteer; to take on a role one has chosen for oneself. ambitransitive
"Which of ye will venture upon me? —Will you, Mr. Constable self-elect? or you, sir, with a pimple on your nose, got at Oxford by hard drinking, your only badge of loyalty?"
Adjective
- 1 Chosen by oneself; self-appointed. not-comparable
"The House of Keys, being self-elect, in these days of popular election by the people, is not a very popular institution."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"In the fundamental part he therefore argues: “Truly good works are not self-elected works of monastic or any other holiness, but such only as God has commanded, and as are comprehended within the bounds of one's particular calling, and all works."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "self-elect"?
Common synonyms include: insolent, overweening, presumptuous, self-appointed, would be.
How do you use "self-elect" in a sentence?
In the fundamental part he therefore argues: “Truly good works are not self-elected works of monastic or any other holiness, but such only as God has commanded, and as are comprehended within the bounds of one's particular calling, and all works.
Etymology
From self- + elect.