Selectiveness: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.