Definition of “selective” - English Dictionary

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“selective” in English

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selectiveadjective

uk ​ /sɪˈlek.tɪv/ us ​ /səˈlek.tɪv/

C1 intentionally choosing some things and not others:

As a teacher she was very selective, accepting only a small number of exceptionally gifted pupils.
He seemed to have a very selective recall of past events.

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Thesaurus: synonyms and related words

selectively
adverb uk ​ /sɪˈlek.tɪv.li/ us ​ /səˈlek.tɪv.li/
selectivity
noun [ U ] uk ​ /ˌsɪl.ekˈtɪv.ə.ti/ us ​ /səˌlekˈtɪv.ə.t̬i/ also selectiveness, uk ​ /-nəs/ us ​

(Definition of “selective” from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

“selective” in American English

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selectiveadjective [ not gradable ]

us ​ /səˈlek·tɪv/

› careful in choosing:

The school is very selective and accepts only those students who are extremely motivated.
selectively
adverb /səˈlek·tɪv·li/

›

Purebred dogs have been selectively bred for thousands of years in some cases.

(Definition of “selective” from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

“selective” in Business English

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selectiveadjective

uk ​ /sɪˈlektɪv/ us ​

› intentionally choosing certain things or people, and not others:

be selective about sth We need to be more selective about the people we hire.
be selective in sth/doing sth Banks have become more selective in granting new loans.

› affecting or relating to some things or people, and not others:

Higher costs will be offset by higher sales volumes and selective price increases.
We aim to provide selective access to suppliers and customers through extranets.
a selective approach

› involving the choice of the most suitable or best:

We want to open more branches, make selective acquisitions, and extend our product range.
Investments will be selective and disciplined.
selectively
adverb

›

The company has selectively cut back production of denim.
selectivity
noun [ U ]

›

The benefit to investors of venture capitalists derives from extreme selectivity in their choice of investments.

(Definition of “selective” from the Cambridge Business English Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

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