selective English · revision 15346

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=1625|origins=la legō}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /səˈlɛktɪv/^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is formed in English from [[select]] and [[-ive]],^(Etymonline) from [[la|sēlēctus]], the past participle of [[m|la|sēligō|t=to select]].^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ Having the faculty of selecting, characterized by selection: 1625 in the OED and Merriam-Webster, the 1620s in Etymonline.^(OED 1989)^(MWU 2024)^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ It was applied to physical processes that select from 1843,^(OED 1989) and in psychology to selective attention from 1875.^(OED 1989) In wireless telegraphy, a system allowing several messages to be sent without interference is from 1906,^(OED 1989) the origin of the radio sense, able to pick out a particular frequency.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023) Selective service, the American system of military conscription, is from 1917, and selectee from 1940.^(Etymonline) Selective breeding is from 1931.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1625 – selective.^(OED 1989)^(MWU 2024)

+ * 1843 – of physical processes.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1906 – in wireless telegraphy.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1917 – selective service (US).^(Etymonline)

+ * 1931 – selective breeding.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Adjective===

+ # Choosing carefully; [[discriminating]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # Relating to or involving [[selection]]; affecting only some members of a group.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # ''(electronics)'' Able to separate out a particular [[frequency]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[selectively]]

+ * [[selectiveness]]

+ * [[selectivity]]

+ * [[nonselective]]

+ * [[unselective]]

+ * [[selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[select]]

+ * [[selection]]

+ * [[elect]]

+ * [[collect]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}