selective

/si'lektiv/

Thân thiện

The student is very selective when choosing books from the library.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Characterized by careful or fastidious choice: "Selective" describes a process, person, or system that involves making careful choices based on specific criteria, rather than including or accepting everything.
   • Tending to choose carefully: It describes a quality of being discerning or particular in one's choices, often implying high standards.

Usage

• The word "selective" is used to describe a person, group, or process that is careful and specific in choosing from available options.
• It often implies exclusivity, high standards, or a focus on specific qualities.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The university has a selective admissions process, accepting only a small percentage of applicants.
  • She is very selective about the books she reads, preferring classic literature.
  • The herbicide is selective, targeting weeds without harming the grass.

Advanced Usage

• "Selective memory": A tendency to remember only certain events or details, often those that are favorable or pleasant.
  • He has a selective memory about his childhood, recalling only the happy times.
• "Selective breeding": The process of breeding plants or animals for particular genetic traits.
  • Selective breeding has produced many modern varieties of dogs.

Variants and Related Words

• Selectively (adverb): In a selective manner.
  • The information was selectively presented to support the argument.
• Selectivity (noun): The quality of being selective.
  • The selectivity of the college has increased over the years.

Synonyms

• Discriminating: Showing good judgment or taste.
• Choosy: Informal term for being very careful in making a choice.
• Exclusive: Limited to a particular group or set of criteria.

Antonyms

• Indiscriminate: Done at random or without careful judgment.
• Unselective: Not involving selection; all-inclusive.

Related Phrases

• Selective service: (Primarily US) A system for conscripting people for military service.
  • He registered for the selective service when he turned 18.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. characterized by very careful or fastidious selection
   • the school was very selective in its admissions
2. tending to select; characterized by careful choice
   • an exceptionally quick and selective reader- John Mason Brown