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

In the second study, Garret Miyake, a chemist at Colorado State University, and his colleagues report the development of a related organic catalyst that’s more selective.

From Science Magazine

These synthetic porous materials of interest to chemists specializing in selective encapsulation include such buzzwords as metal-organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks, hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks, and zeolites.

From Science Daily

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

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