B2verb1K

Select

UK /["/sɪˈlekt/","/sɪˈlekts/","/sɪˈlektɪd/","/sɪˈlektɪŋ/"]/US /["/sɪˈlekt/","/sɪˈlekts/","/sɪˈlektɪd/","/sɪˈlektɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to choose somebody/something from a group of people or things, usually according to a system

In simple words: To choose something or someone from a group.

Examples

  • Please select the option that best fits your needs.
  • You need to select a piece of fruit from the basket.
  • The committee will select the best candidate for the job.
  • Make sure to select the right settings before starting the machine.
  • She decided to select the blue dress for the event.
  • In programming, you can select elements from an array.
  • Some websites allow users to select their preferred language.
  • He found it difficult to select a favorite movie from the list.
  • In a competition, judges will select the winner based on their performance.
  • You can select multiple files to delete at once.

Usage notes

Use 'select' when talking about making a choice, especially in formal contexts or when referring to choices in applications or processes. Avoid using it in overly casual conversations where simpler words like 'pick' might be more appropriate.

Grammar pattern

select + object

Memory hint

Think of 'select' as 'selection' — you make a choice from a selection.

Collocations

  • carefully
  • specially
  • specifically
  • allow somebody to
  • enable somebody to
  • according to
  • as
  • for
  • be selected on the basis of
  • well selected

Synonyms

  • choose
  • pick
  • decide
  • elect
  • number

Antonyms

  • reject
  • dismiss

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'elect' which means to choose someone for a position.
  • Using 'select' as a standalone word without an object.
  • Mistaking 'select' for 'collect' which has a different meaning.