selective

6 definitions • 12 examples

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.

A selective school is one that children can only go to if they pass an examination:

The majority of children get into selective schools by being coached after school.

Many politicians benefited from a selective education.

careful in choosing:

The school is very selective and accepts only those students who are extremely motivated.

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.