Selective

/sɪˈlɛk.tɪv/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Relating to or characterized by selection; making careful choices.

The university has a selective admissions process that only accepts the most qualified candidates.

Capable of distinguishing or discriminating between different things.

The selective permeability of the cell membrane regulates what enters and leaves the cell.

Tending to choose or pick carefully.

She is very selective about the friends she keeps, preferring quality over quantity.

Involving careful consideration or choice.

His selective reading habits help him focus only on the most relevant articles for his research.

From Latin 'selectivus', from 'selectus', past participle of 'seligere' meaning 'to choose'.

selective attention

The process of focusing on a particular object in the environment for a certain period of time.

selective memory

The ability to remember certain things while forgetting others, often based on preference.

selective breeding

The process of breeding animals or plants for specific traits.

selection

The act of choosing or picking out from a group.

selector

A person or thing that selects or picks.

select

To choose or pick out from a group.

Being picky about choices or friends.

She's so selective about who she hangs out with; it's almost like she's curating her social life.

Having high standards in dating.

He’s too selective when it comes to dating; he might end up single for a while.