Definition
To choose or select something or someone from a group of options.
Example
Ella eligió el vestido rojo para la fiesta.
Show translation
She chose the red dress for the party.
Etymology
From Latin *eligere* ("to pick out, select"), composed of *ex-* ("out") + *legere* ("to gather, choose"). The same root gives English "elect," "elite," and "eligible."
Cultural note
In Spanish, *elegir* and *escoger* are near-synonyms, both meaning "to choose." *Elegir* tends to feel slightly more deliberate or formal (as in voting or important decisions), while *escoger* is more casual. In Latin America both are used interchangeably in everyday speech.