selection
/sɪˈlekʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /sɪˈlekʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /sə-ˈlek-shən/ (ame, mw)
selection — noun
- selectionsingular
- selectionsplural
1. the process of deciding which person or thing is the most suitable one among the
the process of deciding which person or thing is the most suitable one among the possible candidates
The selection of a new manager took the committee over three months.
selection of + role/person
Gabriela's selection for the national team surprised no one who had watched her play.
selection for + position/team
The selection process involves two interviews and a practical test.
Careful selection of materials can make a big difference to the final product.
- rejection
the act of deciding not to accept someone or something
文法句型
selection of [noun]
selection for [position/team]
用法筆記
Frequently paired with 'of' to indicate what is being chosen, or with 'for' to indicate the position or role the person is chosen for. The word is typically uncountable in this sense, so it takes a singular verb even when followed by a plural noun.
常見錯誤
2. a group of different items or products that people can pick from, especially in
a group of different items or products that people can pick from, especially in a shop, restaurant, or online store
The restaurant offers a wide selection of vegetarian dishes.
wide / good / large selection of + noun
The shop has an excellent selection of winter coats at reasonable prices.
There was only a small selection of books on the shelf near the counter.
Olivia found a good selection of fresh herbs at the morning market.
- range
broader term; does not imply a curated choice
- variety
emphasises the diversity of types rather than the set as a whole
- assortment
slightly more formal, often used for packaged mixed items
文法句型
a [adjective] selection of [noun]
用法筆記
Commonly paired with adjectives such as 'wide', 'good', 'large', 'excellent', 'small', or 'limited' to describe the size or quality of the range available.
3. an individual item or person picked from a group because they are considered the
an individual item or person picked from a group because they are considered the best or most suitable option
Zayd was the committee's final selection for the lead role in the play.
final selection for + position / role
The café's selection of the month is a honey-lavender cake.
Your selections will appear in the shopping cart before you complete the payment.
Madison was an obvious selection for the scholarship given her excellent grades.
文法句型
final selection
selection of the [time period]
用法筆記
Often refers to a formal or official choice made by a committee or organisation. For casual everyday choices, 'choice' or 'pick' is more natural.
4. the natural or human-driven process by which living things with characteristics
the natural or human-driven process by which living things with characteristics suited to their environment survive and pass those characteristics to later generations, leading to changes in a species over time
Darwin's theory of natural selection changed how scientists understand the development of species.
natural selection as evolutionary theory
During a drought, natural selection on the Galápagos Islands favoured finches with larger beaks.
concrete example: drought + finches + beak size
Through artificial selection, Kofi's family has bred tomatoes that ripen much faster than wild varieties.
Scientists study how selection shapes the behaviour of animals in different environments.
- evolution
broader concept that includes selection but also covers mutation and genetic drift
- adaptation
refers to the result of selection rather than the process itself
文法句型
natural selection
artificial selection
selection pressure
用法筆記
Most commonly encountered in the fixed phrase 'natural selection'. 'Artificial selection' refers to selective breeding by humans, such as in farming or pet breeding. In this biological sense, the word is always uncountable.