single out
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- treat differently on the basis of sex or race
- select from a group
- She was singled out for her outstanding performance