select
/sɪˈlɛkt
/verb [with object]
1Carefully choose as being the best or most suitable: children must select their GCSE subjects [with object and infinitive]: he has been selected to take part [no object]: you can select from a range of quality products...
- Potential students select from available programs, typically within their own cities or states.
- Young teachers felt proud to be appointed and we could select from the best available.
- Two terms of elective subjects follow in which students may select from a wide variety of courses.
Synonyms
choose, pick, hand-pick, single out, pick out, sort out, take, opt for, decide on, settle on, set, fix, fix on, adopt, determine, designate, name, nominate, appoint, elect, specify, stipulate, prefer, favour
1.1 [no object] (select for/against) Biology (In terms of evolution) determine whether (a characteristic or organism) will survive: the commonest phenotype in a population can be selected against...
- As in life, evolution selects for maximal ability to reproduce.
- Changes that impair performance of the proper function sufficiently to have fitness consequences for the organism will be selected against.
- Perhaps the possibility should be considered that evolution selects for beings that imagine their own species exempt from natural selection and possible extinction.
1.2Use a mouse or keystrokes to mark (something) on a computer screen for a particular operation: you can move and copy text by selecting it and then holding down the mouse button...
- Use the pull down menu to select the type of screen saver you want to use.
- At the next screen you can select the VPN option and then give it a meaningful name at the screen after that.
- After you select the database, a screen similar to the one shown in Figure 2 appears.
adjective
1(Of a group of people or things) carefully chosen from a larger number as being the best or most valuable: he joined his select team of young Intelligence operatives...
- Karate is no longer just a pastime for a select few, as young and old discover the discipline of martial arts.
- Then again, it would benefit the union if every team, not just a select few, could bid for players.
- Some of Australia's most successful young leaders apply for the fellowship, but only a select few are accepted.
Synonyms
choice, hand-picked, carefully chosen, prime, first-rate, first-class, high-grade, grade A, superior, finest, best, high-quality, top-quality, top-class, A-list, supreme, superb, excellent, rare, prize, prize-winning, award-winning;
British top of the range;
chiefly US top of the line
informal tip-top, A1, stellar, top-notch
1.1(Of a place or group of people) only used by or consisting of a wealthy or sophisticated elite; exclusive: the opera was seen by a small and highly select audience...
- However, she warned that removing money from a select group of wealthy schools was unlikely to solve the problem.
- There are more select areas of Swindon where they pay nothing at all.
- Aside from its internet offering, the company plans to become a big player in a select area of London.
Synonyms
exclusive, elite, favoured, limited, rarefied, privileged, cliquish, private
informal posh
Derivatives
selectable
- The system uses six light-emitting diodes that are selectable in order from green, blue, purple, white, orange and red.
- Consider selectable 4WD if you trek to the mountains often.
- Proximity alerts are pilot selectable at 60, 90 and 120 seconds.
selectness
Origin
Mid 16th century: from Latin select- 'chosen', from the verb seligere, from se- 'apart' + legere 'choose'.