What does selectively mean?
Selectively means in a manner that focuses on particular people, objects, or cases rather than treating everything equally. It is used when describing policies, treatments, investments, actions, or features that are deliberately limited to chosen cases. For example, a programme may be selectively available to certain regions, while a company may selectively recruit applicants from a limited pool. The adverb conveys restraint and intentionality, often suggesting that broader application would be unnecessary, impractical, or undesirable. It can sometimes carry a slightly critical implication, as when a policy described as “selectively enforced” appears to be applied inconsistently. In neutral contexts, however, it simply identifies a method of choosing what to include or act upon.
adverbIn a selective manner, choosing or applying something to only certain people, things, or cases rather than to everyone or everything.
- In a selective manner, with particular attention to chosen people, things, or cases.
"The policy will be selectively applied to schools in areas with the greatest need."
"The software allows teams to selectively export the records they need."
"Because the treatment is costly, it is selectively used for patients with the strongest clinical indications."
Selectively is the difference between applying a rule everywhere and applying it exactly where it matters.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does selectively come from?
Selectively was formed in the 19th century from the adjective selective and the adverbial suffix -ly. Selective ultimately comes from Latin selectus, the past participle of seligere, meaning “to choose.” The Latin verb developed from se-, meaning “apart” or “apart from,” and legere, meaning “to gather or choose.” English also adopted the related forms select, selection, and selector.
How selectively is actually used
Selectively is commonly used in formal and professional contexts to describe the deliberate restriction of an action, policy, benefit, or treatment. It often implies that an action has been applied selectively.
Easily confused with selectively
Selectively means to choose or apply something to only certain cases, whereas electively means by election or according to a choice.