WordGarden.iochoose
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /tʃˈuːz/
US
- /ˈtʃuz/
Meanings
Verb
to decide which person, thing, or action you want from available options
Beyond the definition
To choose means to make a decision among different options. It's more than just wanting something; it's actively selecting one thing over another. You might choose vanilla ice cream over chocolate, or choose to spend your Saturday reading a book instead of cleaning the house. Sometimes choosing is easy, like when you choose a color for a new room. Other times, it can be incredibly difficult—imagine having to choose between two equally amazing job offers! The word comes from an Old English word meaning "to select," and it has been a core part of our language for over a thousand years.
To choose is the act of deliberately selecting one option from a set of possibilities. It implies agency—a conscious decision made by you. Think about a fork in the road: when you choose to go left instead of right, you're making a choice that will lead you down a different path.
The context of "choose" can vary greatly. You might choose a friend to accompany you on an adventure ("I choose you!"), or choose to follow a particular career path ("She chose to become a doctor"). It can also be about making preferences known: "I'll choose the red one, please."
Sometimes choosing isn't just about preference; it can involve responsibility and consequences. A jury chooses a verdict from the legal options provided, a leader is chosen by the people, and we all choose how to live our lives. The weight of these choices can be significant, shaping our character and our future.
Interestingly, "choose" has a subtle difference from "pick." While you might pick a flower casually, you choose a life partner with careful consideration. "Pick" is often more impulsive or random, whereas "choose" suggests a higher level of deliberation and intent. So, whether it's a simple preference or a life-altering decision, to choose is to exercise your will and shape the course of your own story.
Examples
- 1
Seat selection
You can choose a seat when you check in online.
- 2
Two options
We need to choose between the red one and the blue one.
- Patternchoose between A and B
decide which of two things you want
- 3
Personal decision
She chose to study at home that evening.
- Patternchoose to do X
decide to do it
- 4
Delayed reply
He chose not to reply to the message right away.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Payment options
You can choose from three different payment plans.
- Patternchoose from + options
pick from a group of options
- 6
Team role
They chose Maya as team leader.
- Patternchoose someone as + role
decide that person will have that role
- 7
School representation
She was chosen to represent the school at the competition.
- 8
Moral preference
In the end, he chose honesty over comfort.
- Patternchoose A over B
prefer one thing instead of another
- 9
Careful speech
Choose your words carefully when you talk to her.
- Phrasechoose your words
think carefully about what you say
See also
Forms and spellings
5 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- chooseverb
Forms
- chosenpast participleverb
- chosepast tenseverb
- choosing-ing formverb
- choosesverb