Pop-up prevents text selection on MacBook Air

Problem: I get pop-up window instead of the ability to highlight & dele Text

Using Sequoia 15.6 on 2020 Macbook Air

When I try to select text to highlight or delete it, I get a pop-up window with various options/information (e.g. dictionary definitions). If I repeat the action it is hit & miss if I can highlight or if the the pop-up window returns.

This is a recent phenomenon.

I have read 'solutions' all of which involve going to Mac system preferences, selecting keyboard - spelling and then selecting options which are not on my computer.

help appreciated.