Selective
/sɪˈlɛktɪv/
Definitions
2 meaningsChoosing carefully; discriminating; tending to select only the best or most suitable.
/sɪˈlɛktɪv/
Tending to choose carefully; discriminating.
The university has a selective admissions process.
💡 Simply: Selective means you're picky about what you choose. Imagine you go to an ice cream shop. If you're selective, you'll only pick the flavors you *really* love, not just any old flavor!
👶 For kids: When you're selective, it means you choose carefully. Like picking the best toy to play with!
More Examples
She is very selective about her friends.
Selective herbicides kill certain plants while leaving others unharmed.
How It's Used
"Selective schools often require entrance exams."
"Selective breeding has led to many dog breeds."
Designed to choose or exclude some things; having the ability to discriminate.
/sɪˈlɛktɪv/
Designed to choose carefully or exclude some things.
The selective filter removed the unwanted noise.
💡 Simply: Sometimes things are made to only let certain parts through. Imagine a special gate that only lets in the tall people, but not the short people. That gate is selective!
👶 For kids: It's like a special door that only lets some things in, and keeps other things out.
More Examples
The company offers a selective benefits package.
A selective permeability membrane allows only certain molecules to pass through.
How It's Used
"A selective filter blocks certain frequencies."
"Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are used to treat depression."
Synonyms
Careful
Discriminating
Particular
Discriminatory
Exclusive
Filtered
Restrictive
Idioms & expressions
Selective memory
The tendency to remember favorable events and forget unfavorable ones.
"She has selective memory when it comes to the chores; she remembers the fun things, but forgets about doing dishes."
From Middle French sélectif, from Latin selectus, past participle of seligere ('to choose').
The word 'selective' started appearing in English in the late 17th century, reflecting a growing emphasis on choice and discernment.
Memory tip
Think of choosing the 'best' things. Selective folks select the best!
Practice
Word Origin
Root: seligere