What does chosen mean?
"Chosen" is the past participle of the verb "choose," meaning selected from among alternatives after consideration, as in "she was chosen for the job." It also functions independently as an adjective describing someone or something deliberately picked out, frequently with connotations of special favor, privilege, or destiny — as in "the chosen few" or the biblical notion of a "chosen people." In religious language, "the chosen" can even serve as a noun referring to those believed to be selected by God for salvation or a special purpose. The word sits comfortably in both everyday and elevated registers: one might speak of a chosen career path just as readily as a divinely chosen leader. Its enduring power comes from the implication that selection was neither random nor accidental — being chosen suggests worth, intention, and sometimes exclusion of those left unchosen.
Selected from among alternatives after consideration; past participle of "choose."
"The committee has chosen three finalists."
Used in perfect tenses and passive constructions.
Deliberately selected, especially for a special purpose or honor; often implying favor or destiny.
"Only the chosen candidates were notified."
One who is regarded as specially selected, typically by God (used chiefly in the phrase "the chosen").
"In many traditions, believers see themselves as the chosen."
From ancient scripture to reality TV, "chosen" has always carried a whiff of destiny — the idea that some are picked and others are passed over.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of chosen
"Chosen" descends from the Old English past participle "coren" of the verb "ceosan" (to choose), reshaped under the influence of the Middle English preterite "chese." The verb belongs to the ancient Germanic strong-verb class, tracing back through Proto-Germanic *keusaną to the Proto-Indo-European root *ǵews-, which also gave Latin "gustare" (to taste) and hence English "choose"'s distant cousin "gusto." Cognates include German "kiesen" and Dutch "kiezen," both meaning to choose.
Related word forms
How chosen is actually used
As a past participle, "chosen" appears in perfect tenses (have/has/had chosen) and passives (was chosen). As an adjective it often carries a slightly elevated or solemn tone, especially in religious contexts such as "the chosen people."
Easily confused with chosen
"Chose" is the simple past tense of choose ("I chose this yesterday"), while "chosen" is the past participle used with have/has/had or as an adjective ("I have chosen this" or "the chosen candidate").