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Selecting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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selecting

[sɪˈlɛktɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

process

The action or process of carefully choosing someone or something as being the best or most suitable.

Synonyms

choosing, electing, picking.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
selecting

This is often used in formal or technical situations, such as when choosing between options based on specific criteria.

  • The committee is responsible for selecting the best candidate for the job.
  • She spent hours selecting the perfect fabric for her dress.
choosing

A general term used in everyday contexts when making a decision between several options.

  • I’m having trouble choosing a movie to watch tonight.
  • They are choosing the color for their new car.
picking

A more casual term, often used informally or when the selection process is simple or quick.

  • She was picking apples from the tree.
  • He’s picking a team for the game.
electing

This is typically used in political or organizational settings when voting is involved.

  • The citizens are electing a new president this year.
  • The club members are electing a new treasurer.

Examples of usage

  • The selecting of candidates for the job will take place next week.
  • The selecting of a new car can be a time-consuming process.
Context #2 | Verb

action

Choose as being the best or most appropriate.

Synonyms

choose, elect, pick.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
selecting

Used in formal or technical contexts when making a choice from a range of options.

  • She was responsible for selecting the new team members.
  • The committee is selecting the best proposals for the project.
choose

Commonly used in everyday situations when making a decision or preference.

  • You can choose any dessert you like.
  • They had to choose between going on vacation or buying a new car.
pick

Informal situations where a decision is being made, often implying a quick or casual choice.

  • Can you pick a movie for tonight?
  • He picked the blue shirt instead of the red one.
elect

Typically used in the context of voting or official decisions, usually related to positions of authority or roles in organizations.

  • The citizens will elect a new president next year.
  • She was elected as the chairperson of the committee.

Examples of usage

  • He was in the process of selecting a new book to read.
  • She carefully selected the perfect outfit for the party.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Behavioral psychology studies show that the act of selecting can be influenced by cognitive biases, such as the 'decoy effect' which influences choices based on surrounding options.
  • Cognitive load theory suggests that having too many choices can make selecting overwhelming, often leading to indecision.
  • Research indicates that when people have fewer options, they tend to feel more satisfied with their selections.

Pop Culture

  • In the world of entertainment, selection is a key theme in shows like 'The Voice', where judges select contestants based on their talents.
  • In social media, users select content to engage with, shaping trends and online communities, as seen in platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
  • The concept of selecting appears in many popular video games, where players must choose characters or strategies that will affect gameplay.

Education

  • In education, selecting appropriate materials and methods is critical for effective teaching and learning outcomes.
  • Admissions processes often involve selecting students based on a variety of criteria, such as tests and interviews.
  • The selecting process in curriculum design ensures that the most relevant and engaging content reaches students.

Literature

  • Authors often use the act of selection as a narrative device, where characters must choose paths that define their stories.
  • Classic literature frequently explores themes of selection, emphasizing moral dilemmas, as seen in works like 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson.
  • In poetry, the selection of words can greatly affect the tone and meaning, illustrating the power of choice in language.

Origin of 'selecting'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'selectus', the past participle of 'seligere', which means to choose.
  • 'Seligere' is a combination of 'se-' meaning 'apart' and 'legere' meaning 'to gather' or 'to read', reflecting the act of picking out from a larger set.
  • The term has evolved in English since the late Middle Ages, incorporating meanings related to careful choice.

The word 'selecting' originates from the Latin word 'selectus', which is the past participle of 'selegere', meaning 'choose'. The term became popular in the English language around the 15th century, as a verb form of 'select'. Over time, 'selecting' has become a common term used to describe the action of carefully choosing someone or something as the best or most suitable.

See also: select, selected, selection, selective, selectively, selectiveness, selectivity, selector, selectwoman.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,126 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.