The Spanish verb 'elegir' (to choose) comes from the Latin verb 'eligere', which also meant 'to choose' or 'select'. The Latin 'eligere' was formed by combining two elements: the prefix 'ex-' meaning 'out' and the verb 'legere' meaning 'to read' or 'choose'. The combination of these elements suggests the idea of 'picking out' or 'selecting from among others'.

The evolution from Latin 'eligere' to Spanish 'elegir' shows a typical pattern of Spanish development, where the Latin '-ere' ending evolved into '-ir', creating a modern Spanish '-ir' verb.

Some related Spanish words include 'elección' (election), which is a more common word that Spanish learners might encounter early on. There's also 'elegible' (eligible) and 'elegante' (elegant) - all these words share the root idea of choosing or selecting, with 'elegante' evolving to describe something choice-worthy or refined.

English speakers can connect 'elegir' to several familiar English words that share the same Latin root. 'Elect' and 'election' come from the same source, maintaining the core meaning of choosing or selecting. 'Eligible' (capable of being chosen) and 'elegant' (originally meaning 'chosen with care, tasteful') are also related. Even the word 'select' itself contains the same Latin 'legere' root, with 'se-' rather than 'e-' as the prefix.