selecto
Lemma Details
Translation: select; choice; chosen; select; fine; superior; exclusive
Part of Speech: adjective
Etymology: From Latin 'selectus', past participle of 'seligere' meaning 'to choose, select', which is formed from 'se-' (apart) + 'legere' (to gather, collect). The English cognate 'select' comes from the same Latin root. The connection to 'legere' also links it to English words like 'lecture', 'legend', and 'legible', all related to the concept of gathering or collecting (in these cases, words or knowledge).
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 90%
Register: formal
Example Usage
Este restaurante ofrece un menú selecto para sus clientes.
This restaurant offers a select menu for its customers.
Pertenece a un grupo selecto de artistas.
He belongs to a select group of artists.
Estos vinos selectos son importados de Francia.
These select wines are imported from France.
La tienda vende productos selectos a precios elevados.
The store sells select products at high prices.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'select' in English with an 'o' at the end for the masculine form.
- Remember 'se-lect-o' as 'I select only the best'.
- Picture a store with a sign saying 'Artículos Selectos' (Select Items) to remember it means high quality or exclusive items.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Spanish culture, 'selecto' often carries connotations of social status and exclusivity. It's frequently used in marketing to denote premium products or services, and in social contexts to describe exclusive gatherings or establishments. The term has maintained its prestige value over time and is often used to appeal to consumers' desire for quality and distinction.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Selecto' means 'select' or 'chosen' for quality, while 'electo' means 'elected' specifically in the context of voting or being chosen for a position.
Confused word:
El presidente electo tomará posesión en enero.
The president-elect will take office in January.
Notes: 'Selecto' is about quality selection, while 'electo' is specifically about being elected to a position.
Mnemonic: 'Selecto' has an 'S' for 'Superior quality', while 'electo' relates to 'Election'.
Explanation: 'Selecto' is an adjective describing something that has been chosen for its quality, while 'selectivo' describes something or someone that is discriminating or choosy in making selections.
Confused word:
El proceso es muy selectivo.
The process is very selective.
Notes: 'Selectivo' often refers to the act or process of selecting, while 'selecto' refers to the quality of what has been selected.
Mnemonic: 'Selecto' describes the result (what has been selected), while 'selectivo' describes the process or tendency to select carefully.