chosen

Chosen is the past participle form of the verb to choose. It functions as an adjective meaning selected or preferred, and it appears in verb phrases such as has been chosen or was chosen. The word derives from Old English gecosen, from ceosan “to choose,” with the ge- prefix and the -en suffix that formed many past participles in Early Middle English; cognate forms appear in other Germanic languages.

In usage, chosen can describe a person or thing selected for a particular role, purpose, or status, for example, “the chosen candidate” or “the chosen path.” It is common in religious or ceremonial language, including phrases such as “the chosen people” in Judaism and Christianity, which refer to a group singled out for a special relationship or task.

In culture, the term appears in various media titles. The Chosen is a notable television drama about Jesus of Nazareth created by Dallas Jenkins, recognized for its crowdfunding and broad audience reach. Beyond this, the word chosen or its variations are used as titles for films, novels, and songs, frequently signaling themes of selection, destiny, or special status within the work.

As an ordinary word, chosen can function predicatively or attributively: “the chosen one” or “a chosen leader.” It remains a versatile term in English, carrying nuances of selection, election, and moral or narrative significance across contexts.