Words / C1

si-LEKT-iv/sɪˈlektɪv/

Selective means choosing some and not others: a selective quotation, a selective school. Select is the verb; selection is the noun. Partial can mean biased or incomplete; choosy is everyday and personal. Do not call a full census selective.

Meaning

Choosing only some things; careful about what is included or accepted.

Examples

• “The quotation is selective: it omits the next sentence.”
• “A selective extract cut the caveat and kept the slogan.”
• “Selective memory is psychology; a selective school is an admissions policy.”

Good to know

Choosing some, not all. Verb: select. Close: partial (biased/incomplete). Everyday: choosy. Not a complete set.

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