WordGarden.ioselectively
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /sɪlˈɛktɪvli/
US
- /səˈlɛktɪvli/
Meanings
Adverb
in a way that chooses, affects, or includes only some people or things
Beyond the definition
Imagine a gardener tending their roses. They do not water every plant equally; they give extra care only to the ones that need it most. That is what "selectively" means: choosing some things and not others, usually for a clear reason. It suggests a deliberate choice rather than random picking. You might selectively share information with colleagues, giving only the details that matter for the project. Or you might selectively edit your photos, keeping the best shots and leaving out the rest.
Context is key. "Selectively" can suggest fairness, as when someone chooses the best candidates, or a touch of bias, as when someone favors friends over rivals. It is about making choices and being intentional about what is included.
"Selectively" describes doing something in a way that involves carefully choosing what to include or exclude, rather than applying an action or rule equally to everything. It suggests a deliberate process of picking and choosing based on specific criteria, preferences, or needs.
Think of a museum curator who selectively displays artifacts from a collection—they don't show everything at once, but curate an exhibit with pieces that tell a particular story. Or consider how a chef might selectively use spices to enhance the flavor of a dish. They aren't throwing in every seasoning in the cupboard; they are making careful, intentional choices to achieve a specific result.
This word is versatile and appears in many contexts. You might "selectively enforce" rules, meaning you apply them in some instances but not others. A company might "selectively hire" employees who possess specific, niche skills. Someone might even "selectively remember" events from their childhood, recalling the pleasant moments while suppressing the difficult ones.
The word often carries a nuance of intention. It's not just about what is chosen, but why. Is the choice based on quality, need, or personal preference? The reason behind the selection shapes the overall meaning. Sometimes, "selectively" can even imply a degree of secrecy or discretion—choosing to reveal information only to certain people. Whether you're talking about art, business, memory, or behavior, "selectively" highlights the act of considered inclusion and exclusion rather than acting indiscriminately.
Examples
- 1
Privacy settings
You can selectively share your location with a few trusted contacts.
- 2
Medical treatment
The new treatment attacks cancer cells selectively and leaves healthy tissue mostly unharmed.
- 3
Biased quoting
The article was criticized for selectively quoting experts who agreed with its argument.
- Patternselectively quote
use only certain parts of what someone said
- 4
Unfair enforcement
Managers can't selectively apply the rules to people they like.
- Patternapply the rules selectively
use them for some people but not others
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Biased listening
He listened selectively, picking up only the parts that supported his opinion.
See also
Similar
- discriminately
Shades of meaning
- preferentially
- strategically
- choosily
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- selectively target
- selectively applied
- selectively enforced
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- selectivelyadverb