Choice Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'choice'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'choice' originated from the Old English word 'cฤ“osan', which means 'to choose'. Over time, the word evolved to its current form in Middle English. The concept of making choices has always been fundamental to human decision-making and has played a significant role in various aspects of life, from personal choices to societal decisions.


See also: choose, chooser, choosily, choosiness, choosing, choosy, chosen.

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.