choose

 
Pronunciation: /tʃuːz/

verb (past chose /tʃəʊz/; past participle chosen /ˈtʃəʊz(ə)n/)

[with object]
  • pick out (someone or something) as being the best or most appropriate of two or more alternatives: he chose a seat facing the door [no object]: there are many versions to choose from
  • [no object] decide on a course of action: [with infinitive]: he chose to go I’ll stay as long as I choose

Phrases

cannot choose but do something

formal have no alternative to doing something.

there is little (or nothing) to choose between

there is little or no difference between: there is little to choose between the different methods

Derivatives

chooser

noun

Origin:

Old English cēosan, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch kiezen