select out
C1 formal separable transitive
In simple words
To choose certain things or people to be removed or left out of a group.
Meanings
1 C1 formal
To identify and remove specific individuals or items from a larger set based on particular criteria.
"The algorithm selected out any entries where key fields were left blank."
Grammar: separable
2 C1 formal
In evolutionary biology, to eliminate individuals from a population through natural selection.
"Traits that reduce reproductive success tend to be selected out over generations."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Used primarily in scientific, statistical, and academic contexts — for example, selecting out outliers from data or individuals from a study. Less common in everyday speech, where 'filter out' or 'weed out' are more typical.
Commonly used with
candidates outliers data applicants variables samples
Forms
Base
select out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
selects out
he/she/it
Past simple
selected out
yesterday
Past participle
selected out
have + pp
-ing form
selecting out
continuous
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