Nota: A tradução desta entrada está atualmente em revisão de qualidade, portanto parte do conteúdo é exibida temporariamente apenas em inglês.
Este verbete ainda não foi traduzido para o seu idioma, portanto o original é exibido abaixo.
picking
/ˈpɪkɪŋ/
The word revolves around the precise, tactile action of using fingers or a small tool to isolate and remove a specific item from a larger whole. It implies a level of selectivity or focused attention, whether that focus is productive (harvesting fruit) or destructive (picking a lock).
When used for selection, it carries a sense of discernment, often contrasting with 'choosing' by suggesting a more physical or immediate act of plucking something out.
In the context of habits or irritation—such as picking at a scab or picking one's nose—the word takes on a negative, obsessive, or slightly repulsive connotation. It suggests a repetitive, mindless action driven by an itch or anxiety.
Musically, it describes a sharp, articulated attack on a string, distinct from the broad sweep of strumming.
Used as a gerund to describe the act of harvesting or selecting, such as 'the picking of the grapes' or 'the picking of the team'.
💬Casual Conversation
Victoria, stop picking at the details. We must embrace the cosmic flow.
The 'cosmic flow' is currently hemorrhaging ten grand a minute, sir.
Meanings
Examples
The children spent the whole afternoon strawberry picking in the valley.
I am tired of picking through these old files to find one receipt.
Stop picking your nose in the middle of the classroom.
She is so picky about her coffee that she spends ten minutes picking the right bean.
The detective spent hours picking apart the witness statement for inconsistencies.
The picking season for apples usually peaks in October.
Just keep picking at that scab and it will never heal.
Collocations & Compounds
picking fruit
The act of gathering ripe fruit from trees or plants.
picking pockets
The act of secretly stealing money or valuables from someone's pocket.
picking teams
The process of selecting players to form two opposing teams.
picking fights
The act of deliberately provoking an argument or physical confrontation.
Phrasal Verbs
pick on
To treat someone unfairly or unkindly, often by blaming or teasing them.
Idioms & Sayings
picking up the pieces
To recover from a difficult situation or disaster and try to return to normal.
picking holes in
To find fault with or criticize something in detail.
picking winners
Successfully choosing people or things that are likely to succeed.
picking and choosing
Being very selective and careful about what or whom to accept or reject.
Etymology
The word 'picking' comes from the Old English word 'picung', which meant 'the act of pricking or piercing'. This, in turn, derives from the verb 'pician', meaning 'to prick, peck, or pierce'. The word's root can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic pīkōną, related to 'peak' and 'pike'. The sense of 'selecting' or 'choosing' developed later, likely from the idea of picking out individual items from a larger group, as one might pick thorns or fruit. The meaning of stealing, as in 'picking pockets', emerged in the 17th century, possibly from the quick, sharp movements involved.