pick out
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle out
Meanings
Choose something from a group
Why “out”? Something comes into the open. People can see it, know it, or understand it.
“Pick out a book to read.”
“Pick out a shirt for the party.”
Don't confuse with
Pick out means choose something from a group. Pick up means lift something off a surface.
Test yourself
“Pick out a book to read.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
pick up
A contrast learners often mix up
Lift something off a surface; Collect a person or thing, especially in a vehicle; Acquire a skill, language or habit gradually and informally; Improve or get better, of business, weather, health or mood; Detect a faint signal, smell or piece of information
act out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Perform a scene, story, or plan with actions; Express feelings through aggressive or attention-seeking behaviour
bail out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Rescue someone, especially financially
bear out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Provide evidence that confirms what someone has said
blast out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Play music extremely loudly through speakers
break out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
(of war, fire or disease) start suddenly
bring out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Make a quality or feature more obvious; Publish or launch a new product; Cause a particular response or behaviour in someone; Take something out of a container or place to show it; Encourage a shy person to be more confident
burst out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Suddenly start crying, laughing or shouting; Say something suddenly and forcefully; Leave a place suddenly and forcefully; (of a sound or song) suddenly begin loudly
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