Choose: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿค”
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choose

 

[tสƒuหz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

action

To select from a number of possibilities; pick by preference

Synonyms

decide on, opt for, pick, select.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
choose

General use for making a decision among possibilities.

  • She has to choose between studying law and medicine
  • Choose your favorite ice cream flavor
select

Formal or deliberate choice, often used in professional or academic settings.

  • You need to select the best candidate for the job
  • The committee will select the best proposal
pick

Casual or informal choice.

  • Pick any seat you like
  • She picked the red shoes because they were on sale
opt for

Indicates a preference or selection from options available, often implying careful consideration.

  • Many people opt for organic produce
  • He opted for a more relaxed lifestyle after retiring
decide on

Used when reaching a final decision after consideration.

  • They need to decide on a venue for the wedding
  • After much thought, she decided on the blue dress

Examples of usage

  • I need to choose a dress for the party.
  • She chose to stay home instead of going out.
  • We can choose to make a difference.
Context #2 | Noun

decision

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

Synonyms

alternative, decision, option, selection.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
choose

When you need to make a choice or pick something from a set of options.

  • She needs to choose a dress for the party.
option

Refers to one of the possible choices you have. It can be used in formal or informal settings.

  • You have the option to either take the train or the bus.
decision

When you make up your mind about something after consideration; often used for more serious or important choices.

  • He made the decision to move to a new city.
selection

When you have a variety of things to choose from, and you have to pick one.

  • The restaurant offers a wide selection of desserts.
alternative

When there is another possibility or option that is different from the usual one.

  • If you don't want pizza, we have the alternative of pasta.

Examples of usage

  • Her choice of words was impeccable.
  • I have no choice but to accept the offer.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originates from Old English 'ceosan,' which means 'to choose or to taste.'
  • The term has Germanic roots, connecting it with words in German ('kiesen') and Dutch ('kiezen'), both meaning to choose.
  • In medieval times, choosing often related to making decisions in court or for noble privileges.

Philosophy

  • The act of choosing raises questions about free will and determinism, especially in ethics.
  • Existentialist philosophers argue that the choices we make define our essence and identity.
  • Choice is often discussed in the context of moral dilemmas, where one must weigh conflicting values.

Psychology

  • Studies show that limited choices can lead to higher satisfaction, known as the 'paradox of choice.'
  • The brain processes choices in different ways, with the prefrontal cortex being crucial for decision-making.
  • Emotional states can significantly influence the choice, often leading to impulsive decisions.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'choose your own adventure' became popular with books where readers decide the story's path.
  • Several movies and television shows explore the theme of choice, showcasing characters facing significant decisions.
  • In video games, choices affect gameplay and story, emphasizing the impact of decisions on outcomes.

Education

  • Teaching children about the concept of choice can help them understand consequences and responsibility.
  • Decision-making skills are crucial in education, helping students navigate social interactions and future planning.
  • Educators often emphasize the importance of making informed choices, linking knowledge acquisition to better decision-making.

Translations

Translations of the word "choose" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น escolher

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคšเฅเคจเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช wรคhlen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ memilih

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒะธะฑะธั€ะฐั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ wybieraฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้ธใถ (ใˆใ‚‰ใถ)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท choisir

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ elegir

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท seรงmek

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์„ ํƒํ•˜๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงุฎุชุงุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ vybrat

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ vybraลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้€‰ๆ‹ฉ (xuวŽnzรฉ)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ izbrati

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ velja

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ะฐาฃะดะฐัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒ แƒฉแƒ”แƒ•แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ seรงmษ™k

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ elegir

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,950, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.