selection

[ si-lek-shuhn ]

noun

1. an act or instance of selecting or the state of being selected; choice.

   Antonyms: rejection

2. a thing or a number of things selected.

   Synonyms: pick, gathering, collection

3. an aggregate of things displayed for choice, purchase, use, etc.; a group from which a choice may be made:

   The store had a wide selection of bracelets.

4. Biology. any natural or artificial process that results in differential reproduction among the members of a population so that the inheritable traits of only certain individuals are passed on, or are passed on in greater proportion, to succeeding generations. Compare natural selection, sexual selection, kin selection, artificial selection.
5. Linguistics.
   1. the choice of one form instead of another in a position where either can occur, as of ask instead of tell or with in the phrase ask me.
   2. the choice of one semantic or syntactic class of words in a construction, to the exclusion of others that do not occur there, as the choice of an animate object for the verb surprise.

selection

/ sɪˈlɛkʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of selecting or the state of being selected
2. a thing or number of things that have been selected
3. a range from which something may be selected

   this shop has a good selection of clothes

4. biology the natural or artificial process by which certain organisms or characters are reproduced and perpetuated in the species in preference to others See also natural selection
5. a contestant in a race chosen as likely to win or come second or third
6. 1. the act of free-selecting
   2. a tract of land acquired by free-selection

Other Words From

• se·lection·al adjective
• nonse·lection noun
• rese·lection noun
• super·se·lection noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of selection¹

First recorded in 1640–50; from Latin sēlēctiōn-, stem of sēlēctiō; equivalent to select + -ion

Example Sentences

Krasinski, like some skeptics, thought his selection was a joke at first.

From Los Angeles Times

We keep the wine list vast and fun, showcasing exciting selections and offer options for all tastes and palettes.

From Salon

Ahead of the 2021 election, the SNP changed internal rules to require MPs to resign their seat at Westminster to fight for selection to Holyrood.

From BBC

Before his selection by Trump, Hegseth was asked on the same podcast about what changes he would make in the military.

From BBC

Prior to the selection of Zeldin, scientists analyzing Trump’s rhetoric, policy proposals and record expressed alarm at the prospect of his returning to power.

From Salon

Related Words

• choice
• collection
• draft
• election
• excerpt
• option
• pick