Need another word for Selective? Use these synonyms of Selective from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
discerning
discriminating
choosy
picky
fussy
finicky
meticulous
precise
exacting
particular
specific
deliberate
intentional
careful
cautious
judicious
discreet
sensitive
selective
tasteful
refined
cultured
sophisticated
elegant
graceful
precise
accurate
detailed
thorough
methodical
systematic
rational
logical
reasonable
sensible
prudent
wise
astute
shrewd
perceptive
keen
alert
vigilant
attentive
observant
mindful
considerate
thoughtful
deliberate
purposeful
willful
intentional
calculated
measured
weighted
considered
reflective
pondered
advised
recommended
suggested
proposed
optional
elective
preferred
favored
liked
wanted
desired
wished
sought
targeted
focused
directed
aimed
pointed
intentional
goal-oriented
purposeful
willful
resolute
determined
firm
unwavering
unshakeable
uncompromising
stubborn
obstinate
persistent
consistent
steady
stable
fixed
set
decided
definite
certain
sure
confident
assured
secure
safe
protected
guarded
sheltered
screened
filtered
sifted
sorted
categorized
classified
grouped
segmented
divided
separated
isolated
insulated
sequestered
quarantined
restricted
limited
constrained
confined
enclosed
bounded
defined
demarcated
delineated
Meaning of Selective
The primary meaning of the word "Selective" is having or showing a great interest or care in choosing or selecting something, often because of its quality.
Definitions
- Having or showing a great interest or care in choosing or selecting something, often because of its quality
- Able or tending to select, as in choosing the best or most suitable option
- Limited in range or scope, as in affecting or including only a certain part or subset
- Designed or intended to select or separate, as in a device or process
- Having a preference or bias, as in being selective in one's friendships or tastes
Etymology of Selective
The word "Selective" comes from the Latin "selectus", meaning chosen or select, which is the past participle of "seligere", meaning to choose or select
The word has been used in English since the 15th century, initially in the sense of choosing or selecting, and later developing additional meanings related to preference, bias, and limitation
Example Uses
- The company is selective in its hiring process, looking for candidates with specific skills and experience
- She is very selective about the clothes she wears, preferring high-quality and stylish items
- The new policy is selective in its application, affecting only certain groups or individuals
- The teacher is selective in the materials she uses, choosing only the most relevant and engaging resources
- He is selective in his friendships, preferring to surround himself with people who share his interests and values
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
indiscriminate
random
arbitrary
casual
careless
haphazard
reckless
impulsive
thoughtless
rash
impetuous
spontaneous
unplanned
unintentional
unconscious
instinctive
habitual
routine
usual
normal
standard
typical
common
general
universal
inclusive
comprehensive
complete
total
absolute
utter
entire
whole
full
perfect
flawless
faultless
impeccable
unblemished
unstained
unspotted
untarnished
unmarred
unmoved
unshaken
unwavering
unshakeable
uncompromising
unrelenting
unyielding
stubborn
obstinate
persistent
consistent
steady
stable
fixed
set
decided
definite
certain
sure
confident
assured
secure
safe
protected
guarded
sheltered
screened
filtered
sifted
sorted
categorized
classified
grouped
segmented
divided
separated
isolated
insulated
sequestered
quarantined
restricted
limited
constrained
confined
enclosed
bounded
defined
demarcated
delineated