A Vote Was Originally a Vow
A vote is a formal expression of choice. The word began as a solemn promise to a god.
A vote is a formal expression of choice in an election or decision. Latin *votum* meant a vow or solemn promise made to a god, and the political sense came through the idea of a wish earnestly expressed. *Vote* and *vow* are therefore the same word, one through Latin and one through French. That older sense survives in *votive*, as in a votive candle offered in fulfilment of a vow, and in *devotion*, being bound by one.
- A choice expressed. *Casting a vote.*
- To choose. *Voting for change.*
- Vow — the same root. *A vow.*
- Votive — offered by vow. *A votive candle.*
- Latin — *votum*, a vow. *The root.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | vote | A vote. |
| Verb | vote | Voting. |
| Agent | voter | A voter. |
| Related | vow | A vow. |
| Latin | votum | A vow. |
- He cast his vote.Election.
- Votum meant a vow.Etymology.
- A votive offering.Related.
The votum family
- Vote — a wish formally expressed
- Vow — a solemn promise
- Votive — given in fulfilment of a vow
- Devote — to bind by a vow
- Devotion — the state of being so bound
Latin *votum*, a vow or wish, from *vovere*, to vow.
Are vote and vow the same word?
Yes. Both come from Latin votum, a vow, arriving in English by different routes.
What is a votive candle?
One lit in fulfilment of a vow, using the original sense of the root.