/ sɪˈlektɪv; NAmE / adjective
1.
[ usually before noun ] affecting or concerned with only a small number of people or things from a larger group :
the selective breeding of cattle
selective strike action
2.
selective (about / in sth) tending to be careful about what or who you choose :
You will have to be selective about which information to include in the report.
Their admissions policy is very selective.
a selective school (= one that chooses which children to admit, especially according to ability)
► se·lect·ive·ly adverb :
The product will be selectively marketed in the US (= only in some areas).
► se·lect·iv·ity / səˌlekˈtɪvəti; NAmE / noun [ U ]:
Schools are tending towards greater selectivity.