selectively

UK: /sɪˈlɛktɪvli/

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

se•lec•tive /sɪˈlɛktɪv/   adj. 

1. choosing carefully:
   is a selective shopper.
2. of or relating to a few chosen items; not general:
   selective enforcement of the laws.
se•lec•tive•ly, adv.: 
The police seem to enforce the traffic laws selectively.

se•lec•tiv•i•ty /sɪlɛkˈtɪvɪti/  n. [uncountable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

se•lec•tive  (si lek′tiv), adj. 

1. having the function or power of selecting;
   making a selection.
2. characterized by selection, esp. fastidious selection.
3. of or pertaining to selection.
4. Electricity, Radio and Television having good selectivity.

• select + -ive 1615–25

se•lec′tive•ly, adv. 
se•lec′tive•ness, n. 
Synonyms

• 2. . discriminating, particular, discerning.