What does selective mean?
Selective means choosing or accepting only some people, things, or options rather than treating everything equally. The word commonly describes a careful process of selection, as in selective admissions or selective attention, but it can also imply restriction or exclusivity. A selective person is discerning and has clear preferences; selective schooling limits access to particular students or groups. In biology and psychology, selective describes a response to specific stimuli rather than a general response to everything. Because the word carries the idea of discrimination between alternatives, it often suggests that a standard or principle is being applied, whether practical, social, or scientific.
adjectiveChoosing or tending to choose only some things from a group, often according to a particular standard or preference.
- Characterized by choosing carefully or choosing only certain people or things.
- Limited to particular people, groups, or criteria, often implying exclusivity.
- Able to distinguish or respond to some stimuli but not others, especially in psychology or biology.
"The school has a selective admissions process, accepting only a limited number of students each year."
"She was selective about which books she shared with her students."
"The species has a selective response to changes in light and temperature."
Selective attention lets your brain focus on one voice in a noisy crowd while filtering out most of the surrounding chatter.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does selective come from?
The word comes through French from Latin selectus, the past participle of seligere, meaning “to choose out” or “pick.” The underlying Latin elements se- and legere both contribute to the sense of choosing from among alternatives. Related English words include select, selection, and election, all reflecting the same idea of choosing.
Related word forms
How selective is actually used
Selective can describe deliberate choice, restricted access, or a response to particular stimuli. In education and admissions contexts, it often suggests that applicants must meet specific standards; in everyday contexts, it may simply mean careful or discerning.
Easily confused with selective
Select is usually a verb meaning to choose, while selective is an adjective describing a process, practice, or person characterized by choosing only some options.