selectee: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Official, Administrative, Legal
Quick answer
What does “selectee” mean?
A person who has been chosen for a specific role, program, or task, often through a formal process.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who has been chosen for a specific role, program, or task, often through a formal process.
Commonly used to refer to individuals chosen for jury duty, military service, or special immigration/security screening (e.g., US TSA). Can imply a distinction from those not chosen, often carrying a passive connotation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Used more frequently in American English, particularly in government and legal contexts (e.g., 'TSA selectee'). British English prefers more common terms like 'candidate', 'appointee', or 'chosen one' in most contexts, though 'selectee' is understood.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes official selection. In the US, it has a specific, sometimes negative, association with enhanced security screening.
Frequency
Low frequency in general use. Higher in specific US administrative/legal texts.
Grammar
How to Use “selectee” in a Sentence
selectee for [program/role]selectee from [group/pool]selectee by [authority/committee]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “selectee” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The committee will select the finalists tomorrow.
- They selected him for the award.
American English
- The panel will select the winner next week.
- She was selected for the training program.
adverb
British English
- [No direct adverbial form for 'select'. Use 'selectively'.] The manager chose her team very selectively.
- He spoke selectively about the events.
American English
- [No direct adverbial form for 'select'. Use 'selectively'.] The university admits students selectively.
- Information was released selectively to the press.
adjective
British English
- The select group of investors was given early access.
- They dined in a select restaurant.
American English
- A select few will be invited to the preview.
- He attended a select private school.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in formal HR contexts for chosen candidates in competitive programs: 'The selectee for the senior management training will be announced next week.'
Academic
Rare. Used in social science research discussing selection processes: 'The study compared the outcomes for selectees and non-selectees in the scholarship program.'
Everyday
Very rare. Would sound overly formal. People say 'the person who was chosen' or 'the lucky one'.
Technical
Common in legal, governmental, and security jargon: 'The system flagged the passenger as a SSSS selectee for additional screening.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “selectee”
- Using it as an active noun (e.g., 'He is the selectee for the job' is correct; 'The selectee will choose the team' is wrong – that would be the selector).
- Confusing 'selectee' (chosen person) with 'selector' (choosing person).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Selected' is an adjective or past participle verb. 'Selectee' is a specific noun for the person who was selected.
It would sound very formal and bureaucratic. In most everyday situations, terms like 'the person chosen', 'the winner', or 'the candidate' are more natural.
A 'nominee' is someone who has been proposed or named for a position (e.g., an award). A 'selectee' has already been chosen from a pool of nominees or candidates.
The standard plural is 'selectees'. An apostrophe ('selectee's') would indicate possession, not plurality (e.g., 'the selectee's rights').
A person who has been chosen for a specific role, program, or task, often through a formal process.
Selectee is usually formal, official, administrative, legal in register.
Selectee: in British English it is pronounced /sɪˌlɛkˈtiː/, and in American English it is pronounced /səˌlɛkˈti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific noun]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SELECT' + 'EE' (like employee or trainee) = the person who receives the action of being SELECTed.
Conceptual Metaphor
SELECTION IS A FILTER (the selectee is what passes through).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'selectee' MOST commonly and specifically used in American English?