# selective

> English word · Adjective · IPA /səˈlɛktɪv/ · frequency rank #8,604

## Definitions
1. Of or relating to the process of selection.
2. Of or relating to natural selection.
3. Choosy, fussy or discriminating when selecting.
4. Having the authority or capability to make a selection.
5. Of or relating to the social work approach called selectivity.

## Easily confused with
- **selectively** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/selective-vs-selectively)
- **selection** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/selection-vs-selective)
- **seductive** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/seductive-vs-selective)

## Common misspellings (13)
`eslective`, `seelctive`, `selcetive`, `selecctive`, `selecitve`, `selectiev`, `selectivve`, `selecttive`, `selectvie`, `seletcive`, `sellective`, `sleective`, `sselective`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/selective