Selection Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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selection

[sɪˈlɛkʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

process

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

Synonyms

choice, election, picking.

Examples of usage

  • The selection of candidates for the job position was rigorous.
  • The selection of songs for the playlist was based on popularity.
  • The selection of ingredients for the recipe was crucial for its success.
Context #2 | Noun

group of chosen individuals

A group of people or things having been carefully chosen.

Synonyms

chosen group, picked team, selected individuals.

Examples of usage

  • The selection of artists for the exhibition was diverse.
  • The selection of players for the team was based on skills.
  • The selection of books for the book club was varied.
Context #3 | Noun

collection of items available for choice

The range of different things that are available to choose or use.

Synonyms

assortment, choice, variety.

Examples of usage

  • The selection of dresses in the store was extensive.
  • The selection of movies on the streaming platform was impressive.
  • The selection of food at the buffet was abundant.
Context #4 | Noun

computer science

The action of marking one or more items from a set of options.

Synonyms

choice, option, pick.

Examples of usage

  • The user made a selection from the dropdown menu.
  • The selection of text was copied to the clipboard.
  • The selection of files was then deleted.
Context #5 | Noun

biology

The evolutionary process by which some organisms are favored to survive and reproduce over others.

Synonyms

adaptation process, evolutionary selection, survival of the fittest.

Examples of usage

  • Natural selection plays a crucial role in the adaptation of species.
  • The process of selection leads to genetic diversity.
  • Selective pressures influence the outcome of selection.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Science

  • In biology, natural selection is a key mechanism of evolution, where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce.
  • Artificial selection involves breeding organisms with desirable traits, influencing the genetic characteristics of future generations.
  • Selection pressure is a concept that describes external agents like predators or climate that influence which traits are favorable for survival.

Pop Culture

  • Selection processes can be seen in reality TV shows where contestants are chosen based on their performances and personalities.
  • The idea of 'selection' is central to video games where players must select their characters or strategies before starting a level.
  • In the fashion industry, designers select models and outfits based on current trends and the vision for their brand's identity.

Psychology

  • The 'selective attention' phenomenon explains how people focus on certain stimuli while ignoring others, shaping their experiences.
  • Choice overload occurs when too many options lead to feelings of anxiety or regret, influencing the selection process.
  • Cognitive biases can affect how individuals make selections, causing them to favor options that confirm their pre-existing beliefs.

Literature

  • In poetry, the choice of words is crucial; the selection can evoke emotions and create vivid images for readers.
  • Literary critics often focus on the selection of themes and motifs to analyze a text's deeper meaning.
  • Novels frequently include characters making significant selections that propel the plot and provoke thought about moral choices.

Origin of 'selection'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'selectio', meaning 'choosing', which is rooted in 'seligere', translating to 'to choose' or 'to pick out'.
  • It has been used in English since the late 14th century, originally referring to the act of choosing among options.
  • The prefix 'se-' means 'apart' in Latin, while 'lectio' means 'to read', signifying the act of reading or picking from choices.

The word 'selection' originates from the Latin word 'selectio', which means 'a choosing, selection'. The concept of selection has been integral to human decision-making processes throughout history. In various fields such as biology, commerce, and technology, the notion of selection plays a vital role in determining outcomes and preferences. From the biological concept of natural selection proposed by Charles Darwin to the modern-day algorithms that power personalized recommendations, the term 'selection' continues to shape our understanding of choice and evolution.


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

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,521, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.