Picked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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picked

[pɪkt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

action

chose something or someone from a group

Synonyms

choose, opt for, select.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
picked

Casual and everyday selection. Often implies a more spontaneous or informal choice.

  • I picked the first book I saw on the shelf
  • He picked a blue shirt for the day
choose

General decision-making. Broadly applicable to most situations where there are options.

  • You can choose your own toppings for the pizza
  • She had to choose between studying abroad or staying home
select

Formal and careful decision-making. Implies a more thoughtful or meticulous process, often in professional or structured scenarios.

  • The committee will select the best candidate for the award
  • You need to select the right settings for the machine
opt for

Formal or slightly more deliberate decision-making. Often used in contexts where the decision is more significant or considered.

  • They decided to opt for a hybrid work model
  • She opted for the vegetarian meal

Examples of usage

  • She picked a book off the shelf.
  • He picked the best candidate for the job.
Context #2 | Noun

selection

a small tool used for plucking or grasping

Synonyms

grasper, plucker, tweezer.

Examples of usage

  • She used a toothpick to clean her teeth.
  • He had a pick in his pocket for the guitar.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In the popular song 'I Picked You,' the theme revolves around choosing someone special, emphasizing the idea of selection.
  • Reality TV often features contestants who are 'picked' for teams or roles, highlighting the competitive nature of selection.
  • The phrase 'picked first' in sports contexts denotes significance, suggesting that the chosen person is the best option.

Literature

  • In many poems and stories, characters often 'picked' flowers or fruits as a symbol of choice or consequence.
  • The act of picking in literature often signifies liberation or the act of making decisions with personal agency.
  • Classic fables utilize the act of picking as a turning point in characters' journeys, representing the choices that shape their paths.

Psychology

  • The act of picking can be linked to decision-making processes, showcasing how people select options based on preferences or needs.
  • Research shows that the feeling of being 'picked' influences self-esteem, with positive outcomes associated with being chosen.
  • In behavioral studies, the act of picking between options can illustrate deeper cognitive biases that individuals possess.

Science

  • In botany, the term is often used to describe the harvest process, particularly in agriculture where crops are 'picked' at optimal ripeness.
  • Behavioral studies in animals reveal that many species exhibit the picking behavior, showcasing natural instincts to select food and mates.
  • In ecology, the act of picking invasive species helps maintain biodiversity, as humans selectively remove plants that disrupt ecosystems.

Origin of 'picked'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English word 'piccan,' which means to pull or pluck.
  • Its roots can be traced back to Middle English, where it was used in various contexts related to choosing or selecting.
  • The term has evolved over centuries, reflecting changes in language and usage patterns.

The word 'picked' originated from the Old English word 'pyccan' which meant 'to prick, pierce, sting'. Over time, it evolved to mean 'to choose or select' as well as 'a tool for plucking or grasping'. The word has been used in various contexts throughout history, reflecting its versatility in both actions and objects.


See also: pick, picker, pickiness, picking, pickle, pickup, picky.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,949, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.