C1adjective 5K

Selective

🇬🇧 UK /["/sɪˈlektɪv/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/sɪˈlektɪv/"]/

Meaning of Selective

affecting or involving only a small number of people or things from a larger group

In simple words: Being careful about what you choose or accept.

Selective in a sentence

• the selective breeding of cattle
• selective strike action
• the socially selective nature of population changes
• You will have to be selective about which information to include in the report.
• Their admissions policy is very selective.
• a selective school *(= one that chooses which children to admit, especially according to ability)*
• Most of the girls are extremely selective in their choice of boyfriends.
• The human memory is notoriously selective.

How to use Selective

Often used in contexts like 'selective memory' or 'selective diet'. Avoid in overly casual situations where a simpler word like 'choosy' might be more appropriate.

Grammar pattern

selective + about + object

Memory hint

Think of 'selecting' only a few choices, like a selective buffet.

Related words

Collocations with Selective

• be
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• about
• in

Synonyms for Selective

• discriminating
• particular
• picky
• choosy
• careful

Opposites of Selective

• indiscriminate
• general
• unselective

Common mistakes with Selective

• Confused with 'select' as a verb. Remember, 'selective' is an adjective.
• Using 'selective' inappropriately in casual conversations where simpler words are better.
• Mixing up the meaning with 'select' as in to choose.

Frequently asked questions about Selective

What does Selective mean?

Being careful about what you choose or accept.

What is the definition of Selective?

affecting or involving only a small number of people or things from a larger group

How do you use Selective in a sentence?

the selective breeding of cattle

Can you give another example of Selective?

selective strike action

What are synonyms for Selective?

Common alternatives include discriminating, particular, picky, choosy, careful.

What is the opposite of Selective?

Opposite meanings include indiscriminate, general, unselective.

What words go with Selective?

It commonly pairs with be, extremely, fairly, very, about, in.

What are common mistakes when using Selective?

Confused with 'select' as a verb. Remember, 'selective' is an adjective. Using 'selective' inappropriately in casual conversations where simpler words are better. Mixing up the meaning with 'select' as in to choose.

How do you pronounce Selective?

US: /["/sɪˈlektɪv/"]/, UK: /["/sɪˈlektɪv/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Selective?

Often used in contexts like 'selective memory' or 'selective diet'. Avoid in overly casual situations where a simpler word like 'choosy' might be more appropriate.

What CEFR level is Selective?

"Selective" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.