select
gb/səlˈɛkt/ us/səlˈɛkt/
A2
English
~ 1700
Senses
0 senses
Verb
A2
action
1
choose from a set of options
To choose one person or thing from a group.
Usage pattern:
to select [something/someone] from [a group]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'select' with 'elect'. 'Elect' is used mainly for choosing people for official positions through voting, while 'select' is more general.
Synonyms
choose (Most common general term; 'select' is slightly more formal.)
|
pick (More informal and casual than 'select'.)
Antonyms
reject (Means to not choose something or someone.)
Collocations
select a candidate
|select an option
|select text
|select a file
|select a team
Themes
decision-making
|daily life
|business
|core_vocabulary
|daily_life
Examples
- The committee will select the winner next week.
- You can select your preferred language from the menu.
- She was selected to represent the school in the competition.
- Please select the items you want to purchase.
- The program allows you to select multiple files at once.
Learner examples
- I will select a book to read.
- Please select your favorite color.
- He will select a seat near the window.
- Select the picture you like best.
- We must select the right answer.
adjective
formal
B2
property
2
specially chosen as best
Chosen as the best or most special.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'select' as an adjective with its verb form. As an adjective, it describes something already chosen, not the action of choosing.
Synonyms
exclusive (Emphasizes being limited to a privileged group.)
|
elite (Stresses being among the highest quality or status.)
Antonyms
ordinary (Lacking special status or selection.)
Collocations
select group
|select few
|select clientele
Themes
quality
|status
|core_vocabulary
|business
Examples
- Only a select few were invited to the gala.
- The hotel offers services to a select clientele.
- She belongs to a select group of scientists recognized worldwide.
Learner examples
- Only a select few can join the club.
- This is a select group of friends.
- We have a select list of customers.
Grammar
Dictionary form
select
IPA
GB/səlˈɛkt/
US/səlˈɛkt/
Syllables & stress
se - lect (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (lect)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: select
- 3rd Person Singular: selects
- Present Participle: selecting
- Past: selected
Word family
Forms
selects
verb
selecting
verb
selected
verb
Related words
selectively
adverb
selectable
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
deselect
verb
Advanced or less common
selectivity
noun C1
Expressions
select for
1/səlˈɛkt fɚ/
fixed phrase
choose for a purpose or role
To choose someone or something for a special job, role, or reason.
Examples
- He was selected for the national team.
- The samples were selected for further testing.
select from
1/səlˈɛkt fɹˈʌm/
fixed phrase
choose from available options
To choose one or more things from a group that is given.
Examples
- You can select from over 50 different courses.
- Guests may select from a variety of desserts.