Choosily Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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choosily

[ˈtʃuːzɪli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in choosing

In a picky or selective manner.

Synonyms

discriminating, picky, selectively.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
choosily

Used to describe someone who makes choices carefully, often implying a fussy or difficult-to-please attitude.

  • She eats choosily, often sending back dishes at restaurants.
  • He dresses choosily, spending hours deciding what to wear.
selectively

Indicates the act of choosing carefully, often based on certain criteria or qualities.

  • She listens to music selectively, only choosing songs with deep lyrics.
  • He reads books selectively, focusing on classic literature.
picky

Informal and often mildly negative, this word describes someone who is hard to please and very particular about their choices.

  • He's so picky about his food, he won't eat anything green.
  • They are picky shoppers and only buy organic produce.
discriminating

Used in a positive sense to describe someone who can make fine distinctions and has keen insight, especially in areas like art, taste, or judgment.

  • She has a discriminating taste in wines.
  • His discriminating eye for detail made him a great editor.

Examples of usage

  • She looked through the menu choosily, trying to find something she liked.
  • He examined the fabrics choosily before selecting the perfect one for his project.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Being choosy can stem from your environment, upbringing, and past experiences that shape how you evaluate options.
  • Studies show that people who are choosily selective in relationships may be more focused on seeking compatibility.
  • Decision-making research indicates that excessive choosiness can lead to choice paralysis, where too many options can overwhelm and hinder decisions.

Social Behavior

  • People often become more choosy when they perceive high stakes, such as finding a mate or selecting a job.
  • Being choosily selective can impact social circles, leading individuals to frequent specific communities or groups.
  • Cultural norms can influence how choosy someone appears; in some societies, careful selection is encouraged, while in others, being open to many choices is valued.

Pop Culture

  • In modern dating apps, 'choosily' describes how users often swipe selectively, looking for very specific traits.
  • Characters in movies often exhibit choosiness as a plot device, highlighting personal growth when they learn to let go of their standards.
  • The phrase 'choosy moms choose Jif' from the commercials emphasizes how selectivity can become a part of branding and identity.

Everyday Usage

  • Common phrases like 'I am choosily picky about my food' show how people express their careful selection in daily life.
  • The term often appears in discussions about consumer behavior, where buyers may show choosiness regarding product quality.
  • In fashion, choosily selecting outfits can reflect personal style and individual expression.

Origin of 'choosily'

Main points about word origin

  • The word derives from the verb 'choose', which has roots in Old English 'ceosan', meaning 'to select or decide'.
  • The suffix '-ly' indicates that it relates to the manner of choosing.
  • The usage of 'choosily' can be traced back to the early 20th century, evolving with changing language patterns.

The word "choosily" is derived from the verb "choose," which can be traced back to the Old English word "ceosan." Over time, the adverb "choosily" was developed to describe the action of choosing in a selective or picky manner. The concept of being selective or discriminating in one's choices has been a part of human behavior for centuries, leading to the creation and usage of words like "choosily."


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