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

"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

The bill will now be sent to a select committee for a six-month public hearing process.

From BBC

But the rollout has drawn criticism from the regulator Ofsted, and the government's education select committee, with issues varying from the quality of teaching to the availability of work placements.

From BBC

Another sitting MP, Stephen Gethins, has submitted an application to be selected as a candidate - though he has not stated an intention to hold two seats at once.

From BBC

Meanwhile, the president-elect has progressed in assembling his advisory team in recent days, selecting a chief of staff, Susie Wiles, along with her deputy, Stephen Miller.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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