selective
word
Definition
Describes someone or something that chooses carefully from many options, only accepting or liking certain things or people.
Usage & Nuances
Often used to positively describe thoughtful or discerning choices, but can imply being overly picky. Common collocations: 'selective about', 'highly selective', 'selective school'. Not used for random choice; always suggests care.
Spanish: selectivo - exigente (al elegir)Portuguese (BR): seletivo - exigente (ao escolher)Portuguese (PT): seletivo - exigente (ao escolher)Chinese (Simplified): 有选择性的 - 挑剔的Chinese (Traditional): 有選擇性的 - 挑剔的Hindi: चयनशीलArabic: انتقائيBengali: নির্বাচিত - সুচিন্তিতভাবে বাছাইকারীRussian: избирательный - выборочныйJapanese: 選択的なVietnamese: có chọn lọcKorean: 선택적인Turkish: seçiciUrdu: چنندہIndonesian: selektif - pemilih
Example Sentences
This university is highly selective.
basic
The job requires selective attention to detail.
basic
I’m selective with the people I trust.
natural
You have to be selective when applying for jobs these days.
natural
She is very selective about her clothes.
basic
Their club is quite selective about who can join.
natural