What does choice mean?
Choice is one of the most fundamental nouns in English, denoting both the act of selecting between alternatives and the particular option selected. When we say someone 'made a choice', we refer to the decision itself; when we say something 'was their first choice', we mean the option they preferred most; and when we speak of having 'plenty of choice', we describe the breadth of available options. The word carries connotations of freedom and agency — having a choice implies control over one's circumstances — while phrases like 'have no choice' signal constraint or necessity. Derived from Old French and ultimately connected to the Germanic root behind the verb 'choose', it has been part of English since the medieval period. Its ubiquity in discussions of ethics, politics, commerce, and daily life makes it essential vocabulary for expressing autonomy, preference, and consequence.
nounThe act or opportunity of selecting between two or more possibilities; the thing selected or the range of things available to be selected.
- The act or power of selecting between options
- The option or thing that is selected
- The range or variety of options available
- An alternative course of action
"Moving abroad was a difficult choice, but ultimately the right one."
"She had a difficult choice between staying near her family and accepting the job overseas."
"There's plenty of choice at this market, so take your time browsing."
Standard regular plural; used when speaking of multiple selections or sets of options.
"The menu offers several vegetarian choices."
English borrowed 'choice' from Old French, yet its closest relative is the native Germanic verb 'choose' — two languages meeting in a single everyday word.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of choice
Choice entered Middle English from Old French 'chois' (the noun form of 'choisir', to choose), around the twelfth to thirteenth centuries. The French verb itself is generally traced to a Germanic source, making 'choice' and the native English verb 'choose' distant relatives rather than borrowings of each other. This dual heritage gives English a rare pair: a Germanic verb ('choose') and a Romance-derived noun ('choice') describing the same basic concept.
Usage notes
'Choice' is neutral in register and works in both formal and informal contexts. As an adjective, an informal sense meaning 'of very good quality' exists ('that's choice!'), chiefly in American and New Zealand colloquial speech.
Don't confuse with
'Choose' is a verb meaning to select, while 'choice' is the noun referring to what is selected or the act of selecting.
'Chose' is the past tense of the verb 'choose', whereas 'choice' is always the noun form.