chosen
UK[ˈtʃəʊz(ə)n]US[ˈtʃoʊz(ə)n]
adj
Selected from a group as the best or most suitable.
adj
Theology. Selected by God for salvation or favor.
Morpheme Breakdown
choos
en
choos
select
en
past participle suffix
Etymology
The word 'chosen' is the past participle of the verb 'choose', which originates from the Old English verb cēosan, meaning "to select, decide, or test." This Old English term is descended from the Proto-Germanic keusaną, which carries a similar sense of selection or judgment. The '-en' suffix is a common Germanic participial ending, historically used to mark the past participle of strong verbs. Thus, 'chosen' literally means "having been selected," a meaning that has remained remarkably stable from its ancient roots to its modern theological and secular applications.
Analysis
Structure: choos (select) + en (past participle suffix)
- choos: From Old English cēosan (to choose, decide, test). The modern spelling 'choose' is derived from this root.
- en: A suffix of Germanic origin used to form the past participle of many strong verbs.
Examples
She was the chosen candidate for the prestigious award.
This is a carefully chosen collection of his finest works.
In many religious texts, the people are described as God's chosen.