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select for — to choose or favor something (often a trait or characteristic) because it has an advantage, especially in a process like evolution or genetics

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to choose or favor something (often a trait or characteristic) because it has an advantage, especially in a process like evolution or genetics

Pronunciation (IPA): /sɪˈlekt fɔːr/

Example Sentences

  • Scientists believe this environment will select for bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.
  • My cat seems to select for humans who are allergic to cats, just to make my life harder.
  • This job interview process selects for candidates who can handle pressure well.

select for

VERB

[/sɪˈlekt fɔːr/]

to choose or favor something (often a trait or characteristic) because it has an advantage, especially in a process like evolution or genetics

Coaches select for speed and agility during the final tryout round.
💡 Concept

Coaches select for speed and agility during the final tryout round.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/sɪˈlekt fɔːr/
🇬🇧 UK/sɪˈlekt fɔː/

🌳Etymology

Prefixse--
Rootlect

Origin

Select derives from Latin, combining the prefix 'se-' (apart, separately) with 'legere' (to gather, to choose). The phrase 'select for' emerged when the preposition 'for' was added, emphasizing selection made for a specific purpose or advantage. In biology, this phrase developed the specialized meaning of describing how certain traits become advantageous and are therefore preferentially chosen through evolutionary processes.

Breakdown

se- (apart, separately) + legere (to gather, to choose) + for (in order to, for the purpose of). The combination 'select for' indicates choosing something based on particular criteria or desired outcomes.

🎵Rhyme

collect forprotect forreject for
collect for
protect for
reject for

🔗Collocations

select for quality
naturally select for
select for resistance
genes that select for
select for survival
select for specific traits
evolution selects for

📝Examples

“Scientists believe this environment will select for bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.”

😄 Fun example

“My cat seems to select for humans who are allergic to cats, just to make my life harder.”

“This job interview process selects for candidates who can handle pressure well.”

😄 Fun example

“Dating apps seem to select for people with really good photo angles, not necessarily good personalities.”

📚Related Words

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