selective

American  

[si-lek-tiv] / sɪˈlɛk tɪv /

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 British  

/ 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

---

Other Word Forms

• nonselective adjective
• selectively adverb
• selectiveness noun
• unselective adjective

Etymology

Origin of selective

First recorded in 1615–25; select + -ive

Example Sentences

Other naval options, such as a selective blockage of Iranian imports, would ratchet up pressure on Iran to reopen the strait but probably wouldn’t yield quick results.

From The Wall Street Journal

The broad selloff may be followed with some selective buying later on.

From Barron's

At the 23 selective private colleges Burd studied, these students were asked to pay an average of $24,000 a year.

From MarketWatch

Iran is testing a selective Strait of Hormuz strategy that could deliver another shock to oil markets.

From MarketWatch

With less free time, we tend to become more selective about who we share it with, focusing on the most meaningful connections.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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