Choosing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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choosing

[หˆtสƒuหzษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

making a decision

Selecting someone or something as the best or most suitable.

Synonyms

deciding, picking, selecting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
choosing

General term for making a decision between multiple options.

  • She is choosing a dress for the party.
  • They are choosing a new car.
selecting

Often used in formal or technical contexts, implies a thoughtful and careful decision-making process.

  • The committee is selecting the best candidate for the position.
  • She is selecting materials for her research.
picking

Often used in casual or informal situations, and can imply a quick or simple decision.

  • She is picking a movie to watch tonight.
  • They are picking teams for the game.
deciding

Refers to the act of making a final choice or conclusion, often after considering various options.

  • After much thought, she is deciding to move to another city.
  • He is deciding whether to accept the job offer.

Examples of usage

  • Choosing the right candidate for the job is crucial.
  • She is having a hard time choosing between the two options.
Context #2 | Noun

the act of making a choice

The act of picking or deciding between two or more options.

Synonyms

decision, option, selection.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
choosing

Used when someone is in the process of making a choice among different options.

  • She is choosing her classes for next semester.
  • He spent hours choosing the perfect outfit for the party.
selection

Focuses on the act or result of picking something out from a group, often implying a careful or thoughtful process.

  • The selection of a new team leader will be next week.
  • We trust your selection will be excellent.
decision

Used when a conclusion has been reached after considering multiple options. Often implies a more significant or final selection.

  • His decision to move to a new city was tough.
  • After much deliberation, they made a decision.
option

Refers to one of the possible choices available; emphasizes the availability of multiple choices.

  • There are several options to consider.
  • We have the option of taking the bus or driving.

Examples of usage

  • Her choosing of the blue dress over the red one was unexpected.
  • I appreciate your choosing to help me with this project.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Depending on the number of options available, studies show that too many choices can lead to feeling overwhelmed and less satisfied with decisions.
  • The concept of loss aversion explains why people often fear making a choiceโ€”worried about regretting what they didnโ€™t pick.
  • Research suggests that making decisions can be more enjoyable when they align with personal values, leading to greater happiness.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre argued that choosing is fundamental to human existence, emphasizing personal freedom and responsibility.
  • The idea of free will is closely tied to choosing, as it raises questions about whether our decisions are truly ours or influenced by external factors.

Linguistics

  • In English, 'choosing' is the present participle of 'choose,' reflecting an ongoing action of decision-making.
  • The roots of the word 'choose' come from Old English 'cyosan,' which means to select or pick out.

Education

  • Teaching children about choosing helps develop their critical thinking skills, encouraging them to weigh options and outcomes.
  • Educators use 'choice theory' to empower students, showing that making choices can enhance motivation and engagement in learning.

Cultural Practices

  • In many cultures, the concept of choosing is ritualized in practices like marriage proposals or naming ceremonies, where choices symbolize commitment.
  • Some cultures encourage communal decision-making, emphasizing collective choice rather than individual preferences.

Origin of 'choosing'

The word 'choosing' originated from the Old English word 'ceosan', which means 'to select, to decide'. Over the centuries, the term evolved into 'choosing' in Middle English, retaining its original meaning of making a decision or picking between options. The concept of choice and decision-making has been fundamental to human behavior and psychology, making 'choosing' a commonly used word in everyday language.


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

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,231 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.