selective

[ si-lek-tiv ]
/ sɪˈlɛk tɪv /

adjective

having the function or power of selecting; making a selection.
characterized by selection, especially fastidious selection.
of or relating to selection.
Electricity, Radio. having good selectivity.

Origin of selective

First recorded in 1615–25; select + -ive

SYNONYMS FOR selective

2 discriminating, particular, discerning.

OTHER WORDS FROM selective

se·lec·tive·ly, adverb se·lec·tive·ness, noun non·se·lec·tive, adjective un·se·lec·tive, adjective

Words nearby selective

selecta, selectance, selectee, selection, selection rule, selective, selective attention, selective inhibition, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, selective service, selective service system

British Dictionary definitions for nonselective (1 of 2)

nonselective
/ (ˌnɒnsɪˈlɛktɪv) /

adjective

(of a school, education system, etc) admitting all pupils regardless of ability; inclusive

British Dictionary definitions for nonselective (2 of 2)

selective
/ (sɪˈlɛktɪv) /

adjective

of or characterized by selection
tending to choose carefully or characterized by careful choice
electronics occurring at, operating at, or capable of separating out a particular frequency or band of frequencies

Derived forms of selective

selectively, adverb selectiveness, noun