select
English meaning: Select
Definition
To choose one or more elements of a set, especially a set of options.
Example
“He looked over the menu, and selected the roast beef.”
Another example: “Membership is restricted to a select few.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A common, neutral verb meaning to choose from a set, widely used in everyday life and computing ('select an option', 'select all'). Also an adjective meaning carefully chosen or exclusive ('a select group', 'select committee').
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Latin 'selectus', past participle of 'seligere' (to choose out), from 'se-' (apart) + 'legere' (to gather, choose); in English from the 16th century.
Synonyms
Antonyms / Opposites
- reject
- deselect
- discard
Related Words
Common Collocations
- select an option
- select all
- carefully select
- select committee
- a select few
- select from
Word Forms
select (v & adj); selected; selecting; selection (n); selective (adj)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B