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Selective: meaning, definitions and examples

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selective

 

[ sɪˈlɛktɪv ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

attention

Characterized by careful, thoughtful choice. Involving the selection of the most suitable or best qualified. Carefully choosing only the best or most suitable.

Synonyms

choosy, discriminating, particular, picky

Examples of usage

  • She is very selective when it comes to choosing her friends.
  • The college has a selective admission process that only accepts the top students.
Context #2 | Adjective

biology

Relating to or involving the selection of the most suitable organisms for reproduction in order to develop a particular characteristic.

Synonyms

artificial selection, breeding, genetic selection

Examples of usage

  • Selective breeding has been used for centuries to enhance desired traits in plants and animals.
Context #3 | Noun

chemistry

A substance or agent that selectively acts on specific chemical substances or biological structures.

Synonyms

discriminatory, specific, targeted

Examples of usage

  • The antibiotic is a selective agent that targets only the harmful bacteria.

Translations

Translations of the word "selective" in other languages:

🇵🇹 seletivo

🇮🇳 चयनात्मक (chayanatmak)

🇩🇪 selektiv

🇮🇩 selektif

🇺🇦 вибірковий

🇵🇱 selektywny

🇯🇵 選択的 (sentakuteki)

🇫🇷 sélectif

🇪🇸 selectivo

🇹🇷 seçici

🇰🇷 선택적인 (seontaekjeogin)

🇸🇦 انتقائي (intaqā'ī)

🇨🇿 selektivní

🇸🇰 selektívny

🇨🇳 选择性的 (xuǎnzé xìng de)

🇸🇮 selektiven

🇮🇸 valkvæð

🇰🇿 сұрыптау

🇬🇪 შერჩევითი (shertcheviti)

🇦🇿 seçici

🇲🇽 selectivo

Etymology

The word 'selective' originated from the Latin word 'selectivus', which means 'choosing'. The term has been used in English since the early 17th century. It emphasizes the act of careful choosing or picking out from a variety of options. Over time, 'selective' has evolved to encompass various contexts, from decision-making to biological selection processes.

See also: select, selected, selecting, selection, selectively, selectiveness, selectivity, selector, selectwoman.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,015 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.