Meaning & Definition of Selective in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: Relating to or characterized by the selection of specific items from a larger group.

  Example Sentence: The selective breeding of plants can lead to improved crop yields.

• Definition: Having the power or tendency to choose or pick out.

  Example Sentence: He has a selective memory, recalling only the best moments.

• Definition: Made, done, or chosen with care; not haphazard.

  Example Sentence: Her selective approach to friends means she has a small but close-knit circle.

• Definition: Limiting or restricting in some way.

  Example Sentence: The university has a selective admissions policy.

• Definition: Involving a careful choice that may exclude non-preferred options.

  Example Sentence: His selective acceptance of opinions reflects his strong beliefs.

Etymology

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

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• 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.

Translations

• Spanish: selectivo

• French: sélectif

• German: selectiv

• Russian: селективный

Related Words

• 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.

Slang Meanings of selective

• Meaning: Being picky about choices or friends.

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

• Meaning: Having high standards in dating.

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