Pick: meaning, definitions and examples

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pick

[pɪk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

choose

To select or choose someone or something from a group of options.

Synonyms

choose, decide on, opt for, select.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pick	Pick is best used in casual or informal situations where you quickly make a choice from a limited number of options. Let's pick a place to eat. Pick a card, any card.
choose	Choose is more general and can be used in both formal and informal contexts where you are making a decision after some consideration. Please choose a seat. She couldn't choose between vanilla and chocolate.
select	Select is typically used in more formal or official contexts, suggesting a methodical choice from a larger pool of options. You have been selected for the scholarship. Select the text you want to copy.
opt for	Opt for is often used in more formal situations and implies a choice made with some preference or consideration. He opted for early retirement. She opted for the vegetarian option.
decide on	Decide on is suitable for situations where a final decision has been made after careful thought or deliberation. They decided on the blue color for the walls. We finally decided on a name for the baby.

Examples of usage

I will pick the red dress for the party.
She picked him as her partner for the project.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

tool

A small tool used for picking or removing small objects.

Synonyms

implement, instrument, tool.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pick	Used when choosing or selecting something from a group of options. 'It's hard to pick my favorite movie,' she said 'Can you help me pick a dress?'
tool	Used to refer to an object used to carry out a particular function, often hand-held and useful for manual tasks; also metaphorically for something that helps achieve a goal. 'A hammer is a common tool in carpentry ' 'The internet is a powerful tool for learning '
instrument	Used when referring to a tool or device, especially one used for precise work or in a scientific or technical context. 'The doctor used a special instrument during the surgery ' 'Instruments like microscopes are vital for researchers '
implement	Used when putting a plan, system, or decision into effect. 'The company decided to implement new safety measures ' 'We need to implement changes to improve efficiency '

Examples of usage

She used a toothpick to remove the food stuck between her teeth.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'pick' comes from the Old English 'piccan,' which means to pierce or to pluck.
It has been used in various forms since the 14th century, originally linked to the act of gathering or selecting.
Related words include 'picket,' which refers to the act of choosing or placing something in a specific position.

Pop Culture

In music, 'pick' can refer to a guitar pick, a small tool used to strum or pluck strings.
The term 'pick of the litter' is commonly used to describe the best choice from a selection, often in films or shows.
There are multiple songs featuring 'pick' in their titles or lyrics, showcasing the word's cultural significance.

Psychology

Choosing or picking can trigger feelings of control, as making decisions often enhances individual empowerment.
Studies show that having too many options can lead to 'choice overload,' making it harder to pick the best one.
People tend to favor choices that align with their previous experiences or preferences, known as the 'similarity effect.'

Agriculture

In farming, 'picking' refers to harvesting crops like fruits and vegetables, where care is taken to select ripe produce.
Certain fruits require specific picking techniques to avoid damage, showcasing the importance of choice in agriculture.
Seasonal variations impact when certain crops are ready to be picked, influencing harvest schedules.

Games and Sports

In card games, 'pick' often refers to selecting cards from a deck, influencing strategy and gameplay dynamics.
Fantasy sports allow fans to 'pick' their teams from a roster, creating engagement and excitement during the season.
Many games involve picking items or abilities, which can change the outcome of play and enhance decision-making skills.

Translations

Translations of the word "pick" in other languages:

🇵🇹 escolher

pegar
escolher

🇮🇳 चुनना

🇩🇪 wählen

🇮🇩 memilih

🇺🇦 вибирати

🇵🇱 wybierać

🇯🇵 選ぶ (erabu)

🇫🇷 choisir

🇪🇸 elegir

🇹🇷 seçmek

🇰🇷 고르다 (goreuda)

🇸🇦 اختيار (ikhtiyar)

🇨🇿 vybrat

🇸🇰 vybrať

🇨🇳 选择 (xuǎnzé)

🇸🇮 izbrati

🇮🇸 velja

🇰🇿 таңдау

🇬🇪 არჩევა (archeva)

🇦🇿 seçmək

🇲🇽 elegir

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,121, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

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3118 trading
3119 pride
3120 recommendation
3121 pick
3122 seeds
3123 operators
3124 diet
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