choose (chūz)

v., chose (chōz), cho·sen (chō'zən), choos·ing, choos·es.

v.tr.

1. To select from a number of possible alternatives; decide on and pick out.
2. 1. To prefer above others: chooses the supermarket over the neighborhood grocery store.
   2. To determine or decide: chose to fly rather than drive.

v.intr.
To make a choice; make a selection: was used to doing as she chose.

phrasal verb:

choose up

1. To choose players and form sides or teams for a game, such as baseball or softball.

idiom:

cannot choose but

1. Can only do; cannot do otherwise: We cannot choose but to observe the rules.

[Middle English chesen, from Old English cēosan.]

chooser choos'er n.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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