Definition

Verb: 1. To choose or distinguish one person or thing from a group for special attention, treatment, or recognition. This often implies focusing on an individual within a larger set, either positively (for praise) or negatively (for criticism or blame). 2. To select or separate one person or thing from others. This meaning emphasizes the act of making a distinct choice from a group.

Usage and Examples

• The teacher singled out two students for their excellent essays.
• He felt unfairly singled out for criticism when the entire team was responsible for the mistake.
• The committee singled her application out from hundreds of others.
• This particular model was singled out by experts as the best value.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• The phrasal verb is often used in passive constructions (e.g., "to be singled out"), especially when describing the experience of receiving special attention, whether desired or not.
• It can carry a neutral, positive, or negative connotation depending entirely on context (e.g., singled out for an award vs. singled out for punishment).

Variants and Related Words

• Single (verb): To choose or distinguish from others. (e.g., "The report singles three main factors.")
• Single (adjective): Only one; individual. This is the root adjective from which the phrasal verb derives its meaning of focusing on one.

Synonyms

• Select
• Pick out
• Distinguish
• Highlight
• Separate out

Related Phrasal Verbs/Idioms

• Pick on: To repeatedly criticize or bully someone. This is similar to the negative sense of "single out" but implies persistent harassment.
  • Example: The older kids always picked on him.
• Set apart: To make someone or something different from and often superior to others.
  • Example: Her dedication really sets her apart from her peers.

Verb

1. treat differently on the basis of sex or race
2. select from a group
   • She was singled out for her outstanding performance