Handpicking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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handpicking
[ˈhændˌpɪkɪŋ ]
Definition
selecting carefully
Handpicking refers to the process of selecting items or individuals by hand with careful consideration to ensure quality or suitability. This method is often used in contexts where precision is essential, such as in farming, where ripe fruits are handpicked to ensure freshness. It can also relate to choosing candidates for a position or selecting materials for a project. Handpicking emphasizes a personal touch and attention to detail, distinguishing it from automated selection processes.
Synonyms
choosing, picking, selecting, sifting.
Examples of usage
- She was handpicking the best apples from the orchard.
- The designer was handpicking fabrics for the new collection.
- They are handpicking students for the special program.
- During the event, volunteers were handpicking trash from the beach.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Agriculture
- Many fruits, like berries and grapes, are still handpicked today to ensure quality, as machines can damage the delicate produce.
- Handpicking allows workers to sort and select fruits that are ripe, reducing waste and enhancing market quality.
- In some regions, handpicking of crops is a cultural tradition, with local festivals celebrating the harvest season.
Education
- In teaching, handpicking can refer to carefully selecting students for specialized programs based on their strengths and interests.
- Teachers often handpick resources and activities tailored to the needs of their students, promoting personalized learning.
- This approach mirrors the idea of nurturing talent, emphasizing the importance of individual potential in education.
Psychology
- The act of handpicking can be linked to decision-making theories, where individuals prioritize choices based on personal values.
- Psychologically, the experience of handpicking something may lead to increased satisfaction, as it involves a more personal connection to the chosen item.
- Research indicates that when people handpick options, they often feel more empowered and engaged in the outcome.
Pop Culture
- The term can often be found in professional settings like fashion, where stylists handpick outfits for celebrities attending events.
- In entertainment, casting directors handpick actors for roles, emphasizing personal branding and artistic vision.
- In technology, 'handpicking' is used in social media, where users handpick content or connections that align closely with their interests.
Origin of 'handpicking'
Main points about word origin
- The word combines 'hand,' which relates to manual work, and 'picking,' which comes from the Old English 'piccan,' meaning to choose or take.
- Historically, 'handpicking' was used in agriculture, where farmers would select the best crops by hand instead of using machines.
- The concept of handpicking has evolved into various contexts, such as personal selection in shopping or recruitment.
The term 'handpicking' is derived from the combination of the words 'hand' and 'picking.' The word 'hand' comes from the Old English 'hand,' which referred to the human extremity used for grasping, holding, and manipulating objects. 'Picking' originates from the Middle English word 'picken,' which means to gather or pluck. The concept of handpicking emerged as a practical term reflecting the traditional methods of selection, especially in agriculture and gathering industries. Over time, it has expanded into broader contexts, such as recruitment and quality control, emphasizing the human element in selection processes. The practice of handpicking predates modern mechanization, allowing individuals to choose with a discerning eye, thus ensuring a higher level of quality in the final outcome.