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

• selectness noun
• selectly adverb
• selectable adjective
• selectability 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

He told me he passed the medical and made it to the final 27 applicants but the space agency eventually selected Paralympic sprinter John McFall.

From BBC

The cash payment option is a pilot program available only in select cities and began testing in Los Angeles in recent weeks, an Uber spokesperson said.

From Los Angeles Times

Richardson wrote that he would soon be traveling to the church from Alabama and that he had selected St. Michael’s Abbey because it is one of the few places of worship that still celebrates Michaelmas.

From Los Angeles Times

One of the proposed solutions the judge rejected would have been to require the search giant to display a “choice screen” on every Google browser when a user hasn’t selected a default search engine.

From Los Angeles Times

Only Kith Ivy members will be able to order in-person, but other New Yorkers within a select radius of the club can order drinks for delivery through Postmates and Uber Eats.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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