Handpick Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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handpick
[หhรฆndหpษชk ]
Definition
careful selection
To handpick means to select or choose something with great care and attention. This term is often used to describe the process of choosing specific items or individuals from a larger group, often for their quality or suitability. For example, farmers might handpick fruit to ensure that only the ripest and best specimens are chosen. Similarly, an employer may handpick candidates for a job position based on their particular qualifications.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The chef prefers to handpick fresh vegetables from local farms.
- She decided to handpick the best candidates for the scholarship program.
- The curator handpicked the artworks for the exhibition.
- He likes to handpick his clothes from various vintage shops.
Translations
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Origin of 'handpick'
The term 'handpick' is derived from the combination of 'hand' and 'pick', where 'hand' refers to the manual action of selecting or choosing something, and 'pick' means to select or take something. It suggests a level of care and intentionality in the selection process. The phrase has been in use in the English language since at least the early 19th century, originally referring to selecting items manually as opposed to using mechanical methods or automated systems. Over time, 'handpick' has evolved to encompass not only tangible items but also abstract concepts, such as choosing people for specific roles or selecting particular ideas or opinions during decision-making. The manual aspect implied in 'hand' emphasizes the personal touch and discernment involved in the process.