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

Explanation

If your mother only remembers the good things and not the bad, she has a selective memory. If a school chooses to offer only a few students spots, it is selective. Selective means characterized by choice. When you are looking for someone to date, you will get advice as to how selective to be. Some people will suggest that you cast a wide net, choosing to date a lot of people in hopes that one will be right. Others will recommend that you be more selective, choosing to date only people that fit a set of criteria. If you are a male, you will have to register with Selective Service, a database the military selects from if there is ever a draft, when you turn 18.

Example Sentences

Cooper made the case for geographical diversification, scenario weighting and becoming increasingly selective even within asset classes themselves.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

A vast majority of US states and territories also automatically register men for selective service when driver's licenses are issued.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Their findings, published in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition, highlight the use of a nano-sized molecular cage designed to act as a highly selective 'PFAS trap'.

From Science Daily • Apr. 8, 2026

While the sector still faces headwinds, selective stocks are trading at levels suggesting a measured rebound could be underway—making careful stock-picking more important than ever.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

The object of selective spraying is not to produce grass on roadsides and rights-of-way but to eliminate the tall woody plants by direct treatment and to preserve all other vegetation.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Related Words

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