Pick

Definition

Pick is a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to select or choose something, to gather or harvest, or to remove something, such as picking a fruit or picking a lock. As a noun, it refers to a choice, a selection, or a tool used for breaking or digging.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /pɪk/
• Respelling: PIK

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /pɪk/
• Respelling: PIK

Etymology

The word "pick" originates from the Old English "pician," meaning "to prick or pierce," which is related to the Old Norse "pikka" (to peck). It evolved in Middle English to include meanings of selection and gathering.

Derivatives

• Picker (noun)
• Pickable (adjective)
• Picking (noun/verb)
• Pickaxe (noun)
• Pick-up (noun/verb)

Synonyms

• Choose
• Select
• Harvest

Antonyms

• Drop
• Ignore
• Reject

Usage

The term "pick" is used in various contexts. Examples include "She picked a dress for the occasion" (verb) and "This is my pick for the best movie of the year" (noun).

Related Terms

• Choice: The act of selecting among options.
• Harvest: The act of gathering crops or plants.
• Tool: An instrument used for specific tasks, such as a pickaxe.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To select or choose: Refers to making a choice among options.
  • Example: "She picked the blue shirt."
• To gather or harvest: Refers to collecting something, such as fruit or flowers.
  • Example: "They picked apples from the orchard."
• To remove or extract: Refers to taking something out, such as picking a lock or removing a splinter.
  • Example: "He picked the splinter out of his finger."

Noun

• A choice or selection: Refers to something chosen or selected.
  • Example: "Her pick for the best singer was unexpected."
• A tool for breaking or digging: Refers to a pointed instrument used for various tasks.
  • Example: "The miner used a pick to break the rock."