selective

[ si-lek-tiv ]

adjective

1. having the function or power of selecting; making a selection.
2. characterized by selection, especially fastidious selection.

   Synonyms: discerning, particular, discriminating

3. of or relating to selection.
4. Electricity, Radio. having good selectivity.

selective

/ sɪˈlɛktɪv /

adjective

1. of or characterized by selection
2. tending to choose carefully or characterized by careful choice
3. electronics occurring at, operating at, or capable of separating out a particular frequency or band of frequencies

Derived Forms

• seˈlectively, adverb
• seˈlectiveness, noun

Other Words From

• se·lective·ly adverb
• se·lective·ness noun
• nonse·lective adjective
• unse·lective adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of selective¹

First recorded in 1615–25; select + -ive

Example Sentences

The effort kicked off with “Chris Rock: Selective Outrage,” Rock’s first live comedy special after being slapped by actor Will Smith at the 2022 Academy Awards ceremony.

From Los Angeles Times

As for managing my feelings, I’m careful and selective as to what news or information I consume.

From Salon

But the desire to avoid costly wars is clearly a selective calculation.

From Salon

“The use of selective breeding over the past 50 years has brought a huge number of animal welfare problems,” he says.

From BBC

Presidential campaigns fully took advantage of the upheaval, calling their own shots on the debates — there was only one between Trump and Harris — and being more selective in their formal media appearances.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• careful
• choosy
• discriminatory
• fussy
• judicious
• scrupulous