I. ˈchȯis 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 selecting
6. : a grade of meat between prime and good
•
- of choice
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
II. adjective
( choic·er ; choic·est )
Date: 14th century
1. : worthy of being chosen
2. : selected with care
3.
a. : of high quality
b. : of a grade between prime and good
choice meat
• choice·ly adverb
• choice·ness noun
Synonyms:
choice , exquisite , elegant , rare , delicate , dainty mean having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste. choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind
choice fabric
exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste
an exquisite gold bracelet
elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste
a sumptuous but elegant dining room
rare suggests an uncommon excellence
rare beauty
delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility
delicate craftsmanship
dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate
dainty sandwiches