Main Entry:

¹choice

Pronunciation:

\ˈchȯis\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English chois, from Anglo-French, from choisir to choose, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German kiosan to choose — more at choose

Date:

13th century

1: the act of choosing : selection <finding it hard to make a choice>2: power of choosing : option <you have no choice>3 a: the best part : cream b: a person or thing chosen <she was their first choice>4: a number and variety to choose among <a plan with a wide choice of options>5: care in selecting6: a grade of meat between prime and good

— of choice

: to be preferred

synonyms choice, option, alternative, preference, selection, election mean the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen. choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely <freedom of choice>. option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed <the option of paying now or later>. alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility <equally attractive alternatives>. preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections <a preference for cool weather>. selection implies a range of choice <a varied selection of furniture>. election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment <doing a tax return forces certain elections on you>.