pick out

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Explanation of "Pick Out"

Definition: The phrasal verb "pick out" means to select or choose something from a group or collection. It can also refer to noticing or detecting something, especially when it is not very clear or obvious.

Usage Instructions

• Use "pick out" when you want to talk about choosing something from multiple options.
• You can also use it when you notice something specific in a situation where it might be hard to see.

Examples

1. Choosing from a Group:

   • "I need to pick out a dress for the party."
   • This means you will choose one dress from several dresses.

2. Noticing Something:

   • "In the crowded room, I could pick out my friend’s voice."
   • Here, it means you can hear and recognize your friend's voice among many others.

Advanced Usage

• Identifying Specific Details: "After looking closely at the painting, I could pick out the artist's signature."
• This shows a more detailed level of observation and choice.

Word Variants

• Picking out (present continuous): "I am picking out the best apples from the basket."
• Picked out (past tense): "She picked out a beautiful ring yesterday."

Different Meaning

• "Pick out" can also mean to identify or distinguish something:
  • "He could pick out the stars in the night sky."

Synonyms

• Select: "Please select your favorite book."
• Choose: "I will choose the best movie for us to watch."
• Identify: "Can you identify the main character in the story?"

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• Pick and choose: This means to be very selective about what you want. For example, "At the buffet, you can pick and choose whatever you like."
• Pick up: This can mean to collect something or to learn something new, e.g., "I will pick up some groceries on my way home."

Summary

"Pick out" is a versatile phrase that allows you to talk about making selections or noticing specific things among many options.

Academic

Verb

1. detect with the senses
   • The fleeing convicts were picked out of the darkness by the watchful prison guards
   • I can't make out the faces in this photograph
2. pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives
   • Take any one of these cards
   • Choose a good husband for your daughter
   • She selected a pair of shoes from among the dozen the salesgirl had shown her

Synonyms

• spot
• recognize
• recognise
• distinguish
• discern
• make out
• tell apart
• choose
• take
• select