selection
UK[sɪˈlɛkʃ(ə)n]US[səˈlɛkʃ(ə)n]
n
the process of choosing someone or something from a group
n
a range of things from which someone can choose
n
a piece of text, an image, etc. that has been highlighted on a computer screen so it can be acted upon
Morpheme Breakdown
select
ion
select
choose
ion
action or process
Etymology
The word 'selection' originates from the Latin verb 'seligere', meaning 'to choose out' or 'to pick out', which is itself a compound of 'se-' (apart) and 'legere' (to gather, choose). This root, 'legere', is prolific in English, giving us words like 'collect' (gather together) and 'elect' (choose out). The suffix '-ion' was added to form the noun 'selectionem' in Late Latin, denoting the action or result of choosing. Over time, the meaning evolved from the specific act of picking something apart from a group to encompass both the process and the resulting set of chosen items, reflecting a logical expansion from the action to its outcome.
Analysis
Structure: select (choose) + ion (action or process)
- 'select': From Latin 'seligere' (to choose out, pick out). The verb form in English.
- 'ion': A suffix of Latin origin forming nouns denoting action or condition.
Examples
The final selection of the team will be made by the manager.
The restaurant offers a wide selection of local wines.
Copy the selected text by right-clicking on your selection.