Choice: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿค”
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choice

 

[tสƒษ”ษชs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

option

An act of selecting or making a decision when faced with two or more possibilities.

Synonyms

decision, option, selection.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
choice

General term used when you have the freedom to select from multiple options. It emphasizes the act of deciding.

  • She faced a tough choice between moving abroad and staying home
option

Refers to one possibility within a set of choices. It highlights the availability of alternatives.

  • You have the option to upgrade your account for additional features
decision

Used when focusing on the act of making a judgment or conclusion after considering the options. Often implies a more formal or important context.

  • The board of directors will make a decision on the merger next week
selection

Emphasizes the act of choosing something from a group, typically focusing on the available items or individuals.

  • The chef's selection of wines perfectly complemented the meal

Examples of usage

  • The choice between studying abroad or staying home was difficult for her.
  • He had no choice but to accept the job offer.
Context #2 | Noun

variety

A range of possibilities from which one may select.

Synonyms

assortment, range, selection.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
choice

Use when referring to the act of making a decision or when mentioning that someone has the freedom to choose.

  • The menu offers a wide choice of dishes.
  • You have a choice between going to the park or staying home.
selection

Great for referring to a set of choices or items selected from a larger group, often implying that these have been carefully picked.

  • They have a fine selection of wines at the restaurant.
  • Our website offers a handpicked selection of books.
assortment

Ideal for describing a group or collection of various items that are usually similar but different in details.

  • The gift shop has an assortment of postcards.
  • There is an interesting assortment of candies in the jar.
range

Appropriate for talking about a variety of different things or options that cover a wide scope.

  • The store offers a range of electronic products.
  • Her research covers a wide range of topics.

Examples of usage

  • There is a wide choice of colors available for the car.
  • The menu offers a good choice of vegetarian dishes.
Context #3 | Noun

preference

A person or thing that is chosen.

Synonyms

favorite, pick, selection.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
choice

General term for deciding one option from a set of possibilities.

  • You have a choice between tea and coffee
  • Making the right choice isn't always easy
selection

Formal term that emphasizes the act of choosing from a set of options.

  • The selection process for the job was rigorous
  • Our menu features a selection of fine wines
pick

Informal term for making a choice, often implying a casual or quick decision.

  • Just make a pick already! My pick for the best restaurant is the Italian one down the street
favorite

Refers to the preferred or most liked option among all others.

  • Chocolate is her favorite ice cream flavor
  • That song is my favorite from the album

Examples of usage

  • Her choice for the lead role surprised everyone.
  • The restaurant was his choice for the evening.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'choice' comes from the Old French 'choisir', meaning 'to choose'.
  • It dates back to the 14th century and has evolved in meaning and usage since then.
  • The Latin root 'eligere' means 'to pick out', emphasizing the act of selecting.

Psychology

  • Studies show that having too many options can lead to choice overload, making it hard to decide.
  • People often experience regret after making a choice, wondering about what could have been.
  • The 'paradox of choice' suggests that more options can decrease satisfaction with the choice made.

Pop Culture

  • In many movies, the theme of choice is central, exploring how decisions shape characters' destinies.
  • Songs often talk about choices in love and life, highlighting their emotional weight, such as 'Choices' by George Jones.
  • Popular games like 'The Sims' revolve around players making choices that affect the game's outcome.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers have debated free will versus determinism, questioning how much choice humans genuinely have.
  • Existentialists emphasize the importance of personal choice in defining oneโ€™s identity and essence.
  • The idea of moral choice examines how decisions reflect oneโ€™s values and ethical beliefs.

Literature

  • Literary works often depict characters at a crossroads, illustrating the theme of choice and consequence.
  • Authors like George Orwell in '1984' analyze the limitations on choice in totalitarian societies.
  • Choice is a common motif in coming-of-age novels, where protagonists learn to navigate their options.

Translations

Translations of the word "choice" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น escolha

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคšเคฏเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Wahl

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ pilihan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒะธะฑั–ั€

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ wybรณr

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้ธๆŠž

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท choix

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ elecciรณn

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท seรงim

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์„ ํƒ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงุฎุชูŠุงุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ vรฝbฤ›r

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ vรฝber

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้€‰ๆ‹ฉ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ izbira

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ val

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ะฐาฃะดะฐัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒ แƒฉแƒ”แƒ•แƒแƒœแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ seรงim

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ elecciรณn

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,124, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.