chuse: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Historical
UK/tʃuːz/US/tʃuːz/

Archaic / Obsolete

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Quick answer

What does “chuse” mean?

An archaic and obsolete spelling of the verb 'choose'.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

An archaic and obsolete spelling of the verb 'choose'.

To select or decide upon from a range of possibilities; to express a preference.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

The spelling 'chuse' is equally archaic and obsolete in both British and American English. Modern standard spelling is 'choose' in both varieties.

Connotations

When encountered, 'chuse' strongly evokes an older style of writing, historical contexts, or intentional archaism.

Frequency

Extremely rare. Its appearance is almost exclusively in historical documents, reprints of classic texts, or deliberate stylistic archaism.

Grammar

How to Use “chuse” in a Sentence

[Subject] + chuse + [Object][Subject] + chuse + to + [Verb][Subject] + chuse + between/among + [Objects]

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
to chuse a pathto chuse a sideto chuse wisely
medium
free to chusedifficult to chusemight chuse to
weak
chuse a friendchuse a bookchuse a name

Examples

Examples of “chuse” in a Sentence

verb

British English

  • The members shall chuse their chairman annually.
  • You may chuse whichever volume you prefer.
  • I chuse to walk rather than take the carriage.

American English

  • The colonists had the right to chuse their representatives.
  • He did chuse the more difficult path.
  • They can chuse to ignore the warning.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Not used.

Academic

Only appears in historical/literary analysis of pre-19th century texts.

Everyday

Not used.

Technical

Not used.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “chuse”

Strong

decide onsettle onelect (formal)

Neutral

selectpickopt for

Weak

preferfavourlean toward

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “chuse”

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “chuse”

  • Using 'chuse' in modern writing.
  • Mispronouncing it as /tʃaʊs/ or /tʃaʊz/ (it's pronounced identically to 'choose').
  • Confusing it with 'chose' (past tense).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No, 'chuse' is an archaic and obsolete spelling. The correct modern spelling is 'choose'.

You might find it in historical documents, classic literature from the 1700s or earlier (e.g., writings of Samuel Johnson, early American documents), or in modern works that deliberately use an old-fashioned style.

It is pronounced identically to the modern word 'choose' (/tʃuːz/).

Only if you are deliberately aiming for an archaic or historical stylistic effect, such as in historical fiction or poetry. In all standard modern contexts, use 'choose'.

An archaic and obsolete spelling of the verb 'choose'.

Chuse is usually archaic / obsolete in register.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • [obsolete] Hobson's choice (but you cannot 'chuse')
  • [archaic] to chuse one's words carefully
  • little to chuse between them (modern: 'choose')

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'CHUse' is the CHoicE you make, but spelled in an old-fashioned way.

Conceptual Metaphor

CHOOSING IS SELECTING FROM A COLLECTION (e.g., picking fruit); CHOOSING IS TAKING A PATH.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
In the 18th century, it was common to the spelling 'chuse' for the modern word 'choose'.
Multiple Choice

What is the correct modern equivalent of the word 'chuse'?

Practise

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Five interactive tools to remember words, train your ear, and build vocabulary in real context — drawn from this dictionary.

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