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Meaning & use

vote of thanks

noun·Advanced

Last updated

UK/ˌvəʊt əv ˈθæŋks/
US/ˌvoʊt əv ˈθæŋks/

Meanings

  1. nouncountable

    A short formal speech in which someone thanks a person or group on behalf of everyone present.

    Grammar: Countable: use 'a vote of thanks' or 'votes of thanks'. Often followed by 'to' for the person thanked and 'for' for the reason.

    Patterns

    • a vote of thanks to someone
    • a vote of thanks for something
    • propose a vote of thanks
    • give a vote of thanks

    At the end of the ceremony, the chairperson proposed a vote of thanks to the volunteers.

    She gave a brief vote of thanks for all the support she had received.

    The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the outgoing secretary.

  2. nouncountable

    The action of formally thanking someone by a show of agreement, especially in a meeting or assembly.

    Grammar: Countable but usually singular; refers to the process rather than the speech.

    Patterns

    • pass a vote of thanks
    • carry a vote of thanks

    The committee passed a vote of thanks to the retiring treasurer.

    A vote of thanks was carried unanimously after the presentation.

Word forms

pluralvotes of thanks

Common combinations

propose a vote of thanks
I'd like to propose a vote of thanks to our host.
give a vote of thanks
The principal gave a vote of thanks to the guest speaker.
a vote of thanks to
There was a vote of thanks to the catering staff.
a vote of thanks for
We offer a vote of thanks for their generous donation.
pass a vote of thanks
The board passed a vote of thanks to the outgoing director.

Synonyms and how they differ

thank-you speech
More general; can be informal or formal, while 'vote of thanks' is typically a formal, official expression of gratitude.
tribute
Often a speech or action that praises someone, especially after their death or retirement; 'vote of thanks' is specifically about thanking.
acknowledgment
A formal recognition of something; less specific to thanking a person in a meeting.

Word family

vote noun
A formal choice or decision made by a group.
thank verb
To tell someone you are grateful for something.

Commonly confused: vote of thanks or vote of confidence?

vote of thanks vs vote of confidence

A vote of confidence shows support for a person or policy, while a vote of thanks expresses gratitude.

Practice

At the end of the conference, the organizer ______ a vote of thanks to the sponsors.

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