Jose Carillo's English Forum

Joe Carillo's Desk => You Asked Me This Question => Topic started by: Joe Carillo on May 17, 2016, 10:02:07 PM

Title: What’s the difference between the adjectives “select” and “choice”?
Post by: Joe Carillo on May 17, 2016, 10:02:07 PM
Question posted by ‎Marianne Freya Gutib‎ on the Facebook page of the Forum (May 13, 2016):

Good afternoon, sir!

I would like to ask the difference in meaning between “select” (adjective) and “choice” (adjective). When do we use each word?

Thank you in advance!

My reply to Marianne:

The adjectives “choice” and “select” are generally synonymous in the sense of having been preferred from a number or group in terms of a particular attribute. The difference is in the degree and manner of selection. A choice candidate in a lackluster election lineup may be the best of the lot but not entirely desirable, but a select group of candidates is more judiciously winnowed to include only those with truly outstanding qualities and no known major undesirable attributes.