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Selectivity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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selectivity

[sɪˌlɛkˈtɪvɪti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

behavioral psychology

The quality of being selective; the degree to which an individual or system is able to make choices based on preferences or criteria.

Synonyms

choosiness, discrimination, picky.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
selectivity

Selectivity is often used in formal or neutral contexts to describe the process of carefully choosing something based on specific criteria.

  • The university is known for its high selectivity in admissions.
  • The job requires a high level of selectivity in selecting suitable candidates.
discrimination

Discrimination has a broad range of meanings but in the context of making choices, it refers to the ability to distinguish and choose with insight. Note that it can also have a strongly negative connotation when referring to unfair treatment based on biased criteria.

  • Good discrimination is essential for a wine expert.
  • The policy needs to ensure that there is no racial discrimination in hiring.
choosiness

Choosiness is more informal and can sometimes carry an implied sense of being overly particular or difficult to please.

  • Her choosiness makes it hard to find a restaurant that she'll enjoy.
  • His choosiness in selecting a movie to watch often delays our plans.
picky

Picky is informal and generally used in a negative sense to describe someone who is excessively selective or hard to satisfy.

  • He's so picky about food that it's hard to cook for him.
  • Children are often picky eaters, refusing to eat anything green.

Examples of usage

  • Her selectivity in choosing her friends is very high.
  • The selectivity of the algorithm ensures accurate results.
Context #2 | Noun

chemistry

The ability of a material to allow certain substances to pass through while blocking others; the extent to which a membrane or filter can selectively allow the passage of specific molecules or ions.

Synonyms

differentiation, exclusiveness, specificity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
selectivity

When emphasizing the careful and intentional choice among a range of options.

  • The university's selectivity ensures only the best students are admitted.
  • Her selectivity in choosing ingredients results in high-quality dishes.
specificity

When specifying the exact and detailed nature or scope of something.

  • The specificity of the instructions helped us complete the task efficiently.
  • The medicine's efficacy lies in its specificity to target the virus.
differentiation

When highlighting the distinctions or unique characteristics of something compared to others.

  • Product differentiation is crucial in a competitive market.
  • The differentiation between the two species is based on their physical traits.
exclusiveness

When referring to the restriction of access to a limited group, often implying a sense of luxury or privilege. This word can sometimes carry a negative connotation of elitism.

  • The club's exclusiveness makes it appealing to the wealthy.
  • The exclusiveness of the event meant only a few selected individuals could attend.

Examples of usage

  • The selectivity of the membrane is crucial for the purification process.
  • This catalyst demonstrates high selectivity towards the desired product.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In biology, selectivity refers to the ability of certain cells or enzymes to identify and interact with specific molecules.
  • Selectivity is vital in pharmacology, where drugs are designed to target particular receptors to minimize side effects.
  • Ecologists study selectivity in species, as animals often prefer certain food sources over others based on availability and nutrition.

Psychology

  • Cognitive selectivity is how people focus on specific information while ignoring distractions, essential for effective learning.
  • In psychology, being selective can affect perceptions and decision-making, as people may favor confirming information over conflicting evidence.
  • Selective attention allows the brain to prioritize important stimuli in an environment, crucial for survival.

Art

  • Selectivity is evident in art when artists choose specific techniques or themes to convey their ideas clearly.
  • In film and literature, selective storytelling involves choosing particular plot elements that shape the overall message and audience perception.
  • The concept also applies to music, where artists might selectively mix sounds and rhythms to create a unique style.

Technology

  • In software development, selectivity is important for algorithms, determining which data to prioritize for processing.
  • Search engines use selectivity to filter results, ensuring users find the most relevant information based on their queries.
  • In networking, selectivity affects how data packets are routed, influencing speed and efficiency in communication.

Origin of 'selectivity'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'selectivus', meaning 'choosing' or 'to select'.
  • It came into use in English in the early 20th century, highlighting the act of making informed choices.
  • The prefix 'se-' means 'apart', indicating the idea of choosing from separate options.

The word 'selectivity' originated from the Latin word 'selectivus,' meaning 'choosing carefully.' It first appeared in English in the early 19th century. The concept of selectivity has been widely studied and applied in various fields, including psychology, chemistry, and biology. Understanding selectivity is essential for making informed decisions and optimizing processes.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,641, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.