Origin: Latin suffix -ive
Selective has 3 different meanings across 1 category:
tending to select; characterized by careful choice
"an exceptionally quick and selective reader"
characterized by very careful or fastidious selection
"the school was very selective in its admissions"
Of or relating to the process of selection.
"The selective breeding program was designed to enhance traits in the livestock over several generations."
In plain English: Selective means choosing only certain things while ignoring others based on what you want.
"She is selective about who she invites to her party, choosing only those people she trusts completely."
Usage: Use selective when describing something that involves choosing specific items while excluding others, such as a teacher's grading criteria. This word often contrasts with indiscriminate use rather than simply meaning "careful."