Select: meaning, definitions and examples

⚡

Add to dictionary

select

[ sɪˈlɛkt ]

Verb / Noun

Oxford 3000

^{Context #1 | Verb}

database query

To choose or pick something from a group of options.

Synonyms

choose, opt for, pick.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
select	Used in more formal or professional contexts, often when there are various options available and a thoughtful decision is required. The panel will select the best candidate for the job She wants to select a unique color for her dress
choose	Commonly used in everyday situations when making a decision between two or more things. You can choose your favorite dessert from the menu He has to choose between history and geography for his next semester
pick	More casual and informal, often used when the decision is quick or not very significant. Can you pick a movie for us to watch tonight? He picked the blue shirt from his closet
opt for	Typically used when deciding on one option over another, often implying a preference or careful consideration. They decided to opt for a smaller house She opted for the vegetarian meal at the event

Examples of usage

I need to select the best candidate for the job.
Please select your preferred payment method.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

computer programming

To highlight or choose a specific item on a computer screen.

Synonyms

choose, highlight, pick.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
select	Used in situations requiring a meticulous choice from a set of options, often in academic or professional settings. The software allows users to select multiple files at once. For this experiment, it is crucial to select the appropriate variables.
highlight	Used when emphasizing or bringing attention to something, often in text or speech. Please highlight the most important sections in the report. The presenter highlighted the key points of the study.
choose	Commonly used in everyday speech when expressing a decision or preference. I can't decide which ice cream flavor to choose. She chose to stay at home instead of going out.
pick	Casual and informal way to discuss making a choice, often used in everyday conversations. You can pick any movie you want to watch tonight. I'm having trouble picking a new book to read.

Examples of usage

Click on the file you want to select.
Use your mouse to select the text.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

sports

A player who has been chosen to represent a team or country.

Synonyms

chosen player, representative.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
select	This word can also imply picking the best from a group, often with a sense of high quality or exclusivity. We stayed at a select hotel during our trip to Paris. The invitation-only gala was attended by a select group of VIPs.
chosen player	When referring specifically to a person who has been selected to participate, usually in sports or games. John is the chosen player for the basketball team. Every chosen player will receive a uniform and equipment.
representative	When referring to a person who acts on behalf of others, especially in official or formal situations. She was elected as the student representative for her class. The company's representative will attend the international conference.

Word

Description / Examples

select

This word can also imply picking the best from a group, often with a sense of high quality or exclusivity.

We stayed at a select hotel during our trip to Paris.
The invitation-only gala was attended by a select group of VIPs.

chosen player

When referring specifically to a person who has been selected to participate, usually in sports or games.

John is the chosen player for the basketball team.
Every chosen player will receive a uniform and equipment.

representative

When referring to a person who acts on behalf of others, especially in official or formal situations.

She was elected as the student representative for her class.
The company's representative will attend the international conference.

Examples of usage

He is one of the top selects for the national team.
The coach announced the team selects for the upcoming match.

Translations

Translations of the word "select" in other languages:

🇵🇹 selecionar

🇮🇳 चुनना

🇩🇪 auswählen

🇮🇩 memilih

🇺🇦 вибирати

🇵🇱 wybierać

🇯🇵 選ぶ (erabu)

🇫🇷 sélectionner

🇪🇸 seleccionar

🇹🇷 seçmek

🇰🇷 선택하다 (seontaekhada)

🇸🇦 اختيار (ikhtiyar)

🇨🇿 vybrat

🇸🇰 vybrať

🇨🇳 选择 (xuǎnzé)

🇸🇮 izbrati

🇮🇸 velja

🇰🇿 таңдау

🇬🇪 არჩევა (archeva)

🇦🇿 seçmək

🇲🇽 seleccionar

Etymology

The word 'select' originated from the Latin word 'selectus', which means 'chosen' or 'picked out'. It first appeared in English in the 16th century. The concept of selection has always been important in various fields, from decision-making to sports teams. Over time, 'select' has become widely used in databases, computer programming, and everyday language to indicate making a choice or picking something. Its versatility and simplicity make it a common word in modern English.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,645, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

...
2642 diagnosis
2643 registration
2644 cup
2645 select
2646 teach
2647 transaction
2648 belonging
...