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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of selective¹

First recorded in 1615–25; select + -ive

Example Sentences

The Ronald Reagan Foundation, which is charged with preserving the former president's legacy, had criticised the advert for using "selective" audio and video and said it misrepresented Reagan's address.

Read more on BBC

The Ronald Reagan Foundation and Institute said it was “reviewing legal options” in the wake of the ad, alleging it contained “selective audio.”

Read more on Salon

Elizabeth said she had seen "selective narratives being promoted - ones that appear to serve particular agendas, especially around issues of race and the narrative of widening the scope".

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High Point isn’t particularly selective, admitting 68% of applicants this year.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

There are two things working in Bolton’s favor: First, he has the makings of a solid motion to dismiss for selective and vindictive prosecution.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

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