Selective Meaning in English

word

US

səˈɫɛktɪv

suh-LEK-tiv

UK

sɪlˈɛktɪv

si-LEK-tiv

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: चयनशील
• Arabic: انتقائي
• Bengali: নির্বাচিত - সুচিন্তিতভাবে বাছাইকারী
• Russian: избирательный - выборочный
• Japanese: 選択的な
• Vietnamese: có chọn lọc
• Korean: 선택적인
• Turkish: seçici
• Urdu: چنندہ
• Indonesian: selektif - pemilih

Example Sentences

She is very selective about her clothes.

basic

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

Their club is quite selective about who can join.

natural