choose
/tʃuːz/
verb
Origin
Proto-Germanic
*keus- — to test, to examine
Overview
Meaning Now
- To pick out or select from a number of options.
- To decide to do something.
Literal older meaning
to test, to examine
Language path
Proto-Germanic → Old English → Middle English → English
Earliest form
cēosan
Earliest period
Old English
Journey
The verb descends from a common Germanic root that originally implied testing or trying something out, often by tasting (the connection between 'tasting' and 'testing/choosing' is reflected in cognates like Latin 'gustus').
Evolution
- Proto-Germanic
*keusanan
“to test or taste”
- Old English
cēosan
“to choose, select, taste”
- Middle English
cheesen
“to choose”
Connections
Word parts
choose
root
to select
Related across languages
German
kiesen
to select/choose (archaic/literary)
Old Norse
kjōsa
to choose
Dutch
kiezen
to choose
Related words
Explore next
Related to choose
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.