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.

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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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of selective

First recorded in 1615–25; select + -ive

Example Sentences

To take a topical example of such selective reporting, consider how immigration has been covered of late.

From The Wall Street Journal

"It's these beneficial Treg cells that make the difference, and this underscores the need for selective approaches."

From Science Daily

That view underscores how capital isn’t completely disappearing from risk assets, and investors aren’t only being selective in tech but also rotating into value stocks, and those exposed to economic growth, continues apace.

From Barron's

The search company’s earnings report showed there are still winners to be found in the AI trade, but investors will have to swallow more risk and be more selective in their picks.

From Barron's

While price increases have helped PepsiCo offset inflation, the increases have become harder to sustain as consumers grow more selective and trade down to cheaper alternatives.

From Barron's

Related Words

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