Selectiveness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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selectiveness

[sɪˈlɛktɪvnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in decision-making

The quality of being very careful about what or who you choose

Synonyms

choosiness, discrimination, fastidiousness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
selectiveness	This term is used in neutral contexts where someone is being careful and thoughtful about making choices, emphasizing the quality of making well-considered decisions. Her selectiveness in choosing friends ensured she only had meaningful relationships. He approached his work with a level of selectiveness that guaranteed high standards.
discrimination	In a positive sense, 'discrimination' refers to the ability to discern or judge well. However, it can also have a strong negative connotation when referring to unfair treatment based on race, gender, age, or other characteristics. His discrimination between classical and modern art was impressive. Discrimination in the workplace is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.
choosiness	This word is often used informally to describe someone who is particular or picky about their preferences. It can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation, implying unnecessary fussiness. His choosiness about food made dining out a challenging experience. Despite her choosiness, she finally found the perfect apartment.
fastidiousness	This word describes an extreme attention to detail or a high standard of cleanliness and order. It often has a negative or overly critical connotation, suggesting that someone is difficult to please. Her fastidiousness about cleanliness made her home spotless but also hard to relax in. His fastidiousness in his work earned him a reputation for excellence, but also made him hard to work with.

Examples of usage

Her selectiveness in choosing friends often leads to deeper and more meaningful relationships.
His selectiveness in selecting candidates for the job resulted in a highly qualified team.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in perception

The tendency to be highly selective or discriminating in perception

Synonyms

discernment, discrimination, preciseness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
selectiveness	Use this word when referring to the quality of being particular about choices, often emphasizing a careful selection process. This term applies casually without strong intellectual or technical connotation. Her selectiveness in choosing fresh produce ensures she cooks the best meals. His selectiveness about his friends means he only has a few close ones.
discrimination	Primarily used in two ways, it can mean the ability to make fine distinctions (neutral/positive) or the unjust treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex (negative). The context heavily dictates its meaning. Her discrimination in judging the contest was impeccable. Discrimination based on race is not tolerated.
discernment	This word is appropriate in contexts that involve perceiving and understanding things clearly and intelligently, often with a sense of wisdom or insight. It frequently appears in more formal or philosophical discussions. His keen discernment helped him see through the deceptive schemes. Her discernment in art makes her a respected critic.
preciseness	This word should be used when highlighting the exactness and accuracy of something. It implies a high degree of detail and correctness, often in technical or scientific contexts. The preciseness of the measurements was crucial for the experiment's success. His preciseness in calculations ensured no errors were made.

Examples of usage

His selectiveness in identifying details allowed him to notice things others missed.
The artist's selectiveness in choosing colors created a striking visual impact.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Selectiveness is key in decision-making; people often filter information based on their beliefs and experiences.
Cognitive biases, like confirmation bias, can cause individuals to selectively focus on information that supports their opinions.

Education

Selectiveness plays a role in how students choose courses; they often gravitate towards subjects they feel they will excel in.
Research indicates that selectiveness in educational contexts can lead to better engagement and learning outcomes.

Ecology

In nature, certain animals are selective feeders, choosing specific plants or animals that provide the best nutrition.
Plant species may exhibit selectiveness in terms of soil and environmental conditions, ensuring their survival and growth.

Art and Culture

Artists often demonstrate selectiveness through the mediums they choose, which can influence the interpretation of their work.
Selective storytelling in literature emphasizes certain characters or themes to draw readers' attention to crucial elements.

Business

Selectiveness in hiring processes can lead organizations to recruit individuals who align closely with their values and goals.
In marketing, companies often become selective about their target audiences to tailor their messages more effectively.

Origin of 'selectiveness'

The word 'selectiveness' originated from the word 'selective', which dates back to the 17th century. It is derived from the Latin word 'selectus', meaning 'chosen'. The concept of being selective or discriminating has been valued in various contexts throughout history, reflecting a desire for quality and discernment in decision-making and perception.