WordGarden.ioselectivity
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /sɪlɪktˈɪvɪti/
US
- /sɪˌlɛkˈtɪvəti/
Meanings
Noun
the quality of being careful or limited in what is chosen, included, or accepted
the degree to which a school, college, or program admits only a small share of applicants
the property of affecting, targeting, or responding to one thing more than others
Beyond the definition
Selectivity is not just about being picky. It is the degree to which someone or something chooses one thing over another based on clear reasons. Think of a bouncer at a club deciding who gets in and who does not. In nature, you can see it in a cell membrane that lets some nutrients pass through while blocking others. It can be a deliberate choice, like putting money only into certain stocks, or a natural pattern, like a bird that eats only certain berries. High selectivity often suggests high standards, but if the rules are too narrow, it can also mean missed chances.
Selectivity refers to the ability or tendency to choose one thing over others, often based on specific criteria or preferences. It is more than just making a choice; it implies a degree of discrimination and a clear preference for certain options over the alternatives.
You see selectivity in many areas of life. In biology, it describes how effectively an enzyme binds to a particular molecule—high selectivity means it only reacts with that one substance. In chemistry, selective precipitation occurs when only certain ions form solids from a solution, leaving others behind.
But selectivity isn't limited to science! A college admissions process demonstrates selectivity by choosing the most qualified applicants from a large pool. A music lover might show selectivity in their listening, perhaps focusing only on the nuance of guitar solos while tuning out everything else. Similarly, someone might exhibit selectivity in their friendships, carefully choosing the few people they truly trust.
Sometimes, "selectivity" carries a negative connotation, suggesting narrow-mindedness or prejudice. However, it is frequently positive, indicating discernment and high standards. A chef known for their selective sourcing of ingredients is praised for quality, not criticized for being difficult. Whether you're talking about chemical reactions, college applications, or personal tastes, selectivity describes the process of choosing carefully and favoring certain things over others—a fundamental aspect of how we navigate a world full of options.
Examples
- 1
University admissions
The university's selectivity has increased as more students apply each year.
- 2
Hiring process
Some selectivity is necessary in hiring, but the process still needs to be fair.
- Phrasein hiring
when choosing people for jobs
- 3
Brand choices
Budget shoppers tend to lose some brand selectivity when prices rise.
- 4
Medical research
Researchers were encouraged by the drug's selectivity for cancer cells.
- Patternselectivity for + target
a tendency to act mainly on that thing rather than others
See also
Similar
- selectiveness
- choosiness
- discrimination
Shades of meaning
- specificity
- pickiness
- preference
Contrast
- indiscriminateness
- randomness
Used with (collocations)
- high selectivity
- low selectivity
- selectivity for
- degree of selectivity
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- selectivitynoun
Forms
- selectivitiespluralnoun