One of the mysteries of the English language finally explained.
Synonyms of select in English:
select
See definition of select
verb
1‘the important thing is to select the correct tool for the job’
choose, pick, hand-pick, single out, pick out, sort out, take, opt for, decide on, settle on, set, fix, fix on, adopt, determine, designate, name, nominate, appoint, elect, specify, stipulate, prefer, favour
adjective
1‘a small and select group of SAS members’
choice, hand-picked, carefully chosen, prime, first-rate, first-class, high-grade, grade A, superior, finest, best, high-quality, top-quality, top-class, A-list, supreme, superb, excellent, rare, prize, prize-winning, award-winning
British top of the range
US top of the line
informal tip-top, A1, stellar, top-notch
inferior, mediocre
2‘the concert was a very fashionable occasion with a select audience’
exclusive, elite, favoured, limited, rarefied, privileged, cliquish, private
informal posh
common