Word
selectively
Phoneticsse·lec·tive·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/səˈɫɛktɪvɫi/
UK/sɪlˈɛktɪvli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. choosing only specific things or people from a group instead of taking everything. You do this when you want to be careful about what you pick.
adv. in a manner that involves choosing only particular items or people from a larger group. Often implies the use of specific criteria to exclude unwanted elements.
Examples
“The company is hiring selectively this year.”
“The editor selectively removed several paragraphs to make the article more concise and readable.”
“By selectively breeding plants with the highest yields, early farmers were able to domesticate wild grasses into the high-calorie cereal crops we rely on today.”
Examples
simple
“The company is hiring selectively this year.”
contextual
“The editor selectively removed several paragraphs to make the article more concise and readable.”
complex
“By selectively breeding plants with the highest yields, early farmers were able to domesticate wild grasses into the high-calorie cereal crops we rely on today.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “selectively” in context.
Verb
01. selectively use
“The author decided to selectively use quotes from the interview to support his argument.”
adv + verb
Usage
Typically follows the verb it modifies or sits at the end of the clause.
Real-World Examples
“Droughts can selectively favor drought-tolerant parasites and hosts, changing aquatic food webs in ways that promote disease, the authors write.” “Low diversity is often seen in isolated groups or in animals that have been selectively bred.” Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/selectively