select

[ si-lekt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to choose in preference to another or others; pick out.

verb (used without object)

1. to make a choice; pick.

adjective

1. chosen in preference to another or others; selected.
2. of special value or excellence; choice.
3. careful or fastidious in selecting; discriminating.
4. carefully or fastidiously chosen; exclusive:

   a select group of friends.

select

/ sɪˈlɛkt /

verb

1. to choose (someone or something) in preference to another or others

adjective

1. Alsoselected chosen in preference to another or others
2. of particular quality or excellence
3. limited as to membership or entry

   a select gathering

4. careful in making a choice

Derived Forms

• seˈlectness, noun
• seˈlectly, adverb

Other Words From

• se·lecta·ble adjective
• se·lecta·bili·ty noun
• se·lectly adverb
• se·lectness noun
• se·lector noun
• nonse·lected adjective
• rese·lect verb (used with object)
• unse·lect adjective
• unse·lected adjective
• well-se·lected adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of select¹

First recorded in 1555–65; from Latin sēlēctus (past participle of sēligere “to gather apart”), equivalent to sē- “apart” + leg(ere) “to gather, choose” + -tus past participle suffix; lection ( def ), se-

Word History and Origins

Origin of select¹

C16: from Latin sēligere to sort, from sē- apart + legere to choose

Synonym Study

See choose.

Example Sentences

Having selected a team so obviously for the present rather than the future against the All Blacks, some quarters were calling for wholesale changes and an infusion of youth.

From BBC

Lawrence is that kind of guy, and “I Like Movies” is that kind of movie: Both revel in name-drops and really specific, niche details designed to draw in a select audience.

From New York Times

Trump has been selecting his top team since winning the US election last week.

From BBC

Each year the host is selected from a different region of the world, and all countries from that region have to agree on where the COP summit will be held.

From BBC

"Fortunately, we have quite a few players who can switch positions if necessary, so we feel we have adequate depth throughout the team, which allowed us to select this group of replacements."

From BBC

Related Words

• eclectic
• exclusive
• preferred
• privileged
• selected
• selective