selective
Selective (adj) means choosing carefully rather than accepting everything or everyone. Example: “The university is highly selective, admitting only a small fraction of applicants.”
How to Use Selective
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCareful and choosy about what or who is accepted, or narrowly targeted rather than blanket in effect.
Word Forms
more selective comparative, most selective superlative
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The university is highly _____, admitting only a small fraction of applicants.
Related Words
Rhymes for selective
See all rhymes for selective →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “selective” mean?
The word “selective” means choosing carefully rather than accepting everything or everyone. In plain terms, careful and choosy about what or who is accepted, or narrowly targeted rather than blanket in effect.
How do you pronounce “selective”?
“Selective” is pronounced suh-LEHK-tihv (/səˈlɛktɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “selective” in a sentence?
Here is “selective” used in a sentence: “The university is highly selective, admitting only a small fraction of applicants.”
What part of speech is “selective”?
“Selective” is an adjective.
Is “selective” a common word?
“Selective” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “selective” have?
“Selective” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: choosing carefully rather than accepting everything or everyone.
What is the difference between selective and picky?
Both describe choosing carefully, but selective is fairly neutral and can sound discerning or high-standard. Picky is more informal and often mildly critical, suggesting someone is hard to please over small details.
What is the difference between selective and choosy?
They are close in meaning, both describing careful choice. Choosy is the more casual, conversational word, while selective is slightly more formal and is also used technically to mean affecting only certain things.