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. Also: selected. 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

Other Word Forms

• selectable adjective
• selectability noun
• selectly adverb
• selectness noun
• selector noun
• nonselected adjective
• reselect verb (used with object)
• unselect adjective
• unselected adjective
• well-selected 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

And, as usual, the submissions — each country gets to select one film — have produced no shortage of grievances and outrage.

From Los Angeles Times

"Some of the major cities around the globe, such as New York, London, Dubai, and Tokyo, all operate with two to three airports. Mumbai will join this select club," says Mr Awtaney.

From BBC

Nike launched a single shoe programme last year, letting customers buy one shoe at half price at select stores.

From BBC

TJ’s Maple Flavored Espresso Black Tea Blend is made with “a blend of select black & herbal tea leaves, natural maple flavor, and ground espresso beans,” according to TJ’s.

From Salon

Dame Meg Hillier, who chairs the influential Treasury select committee, said ending the limit was not only the right thing to do morally, it also made economic sense in the long term.

From BBC

Related Words

• choose 
• cull 
• decide 
• elect 
• make 
• name 
• pick 
• single out 
• take