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noun Common

selecting

Selecting (noun) means the act of choosing something from a group of options. Example: “Selecting the right supplier took weeks of research.”

noun
1
The act of choosing something from a group of options.
"Selecting the right supplier took weeks of research."

How to use selecting

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe process of picking something out from a set of choices.

Word forms

selectings plural

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_____ the right supplier took weeks of research.

Related words

Rhymes for selecting

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Frequently asked questions

What does “selecting” mean?

The word “selecting” means the act of choosing something from a group of options. In plain terms, the process of picking something out from a set of choices.

How do you use “selecting” in a sentence?

Here is “selecting” used in a sentence: “Selecting the right supplier took weeks of research.”

What part of speech is “selecting”?

“Selecting” is a noun.

Is “selecting” a common word?

“Selecting” is a fairly common word in modern English.

What is the difference between "selecting" and "selection"?

"Selecting" is the present participle or gerund form describing the ongoing act of choosing something from a group of options, while "selection" is the noun for the outcome or the collection of items chosen. "Selecting" emphasizes the process, whereas "selection" can describe either the process or the result.

When should "selecting" be used instead of "choosing"?

"Selecting" and "choosing" are close synonyms, but "selecting" often carries a slightly more formal or deliberate tone, commonly used in technical, academic, or procedural contexts. "Choosing" tends to sound more casual and everyday.

Is "selecting" used differently in computing than in everyday speech?

In computing, "selecting" often refers to highlighting or marking an item, such as text or a file, for further action, while in everyday speech it simply means choosing from a group of options. Both uses stem from the same core meaning of picking something out.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial