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Selective vs Elective - What's the difference?

selective | elective |

As adjectives the difference between selective and elective

is that selective is of or pertaining to the process of selection while elective is of, or pertaining to voting or elections.

As a noun elective is

something that is option or that may be elected, especially a course of tertiary study.

selective

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Of or pertaining to the process of selection.(rfex)
  • (of a person) choosy, fussy or discriminating when selecting.
    • He's very selective and spent hours in the store choosing a new shirt.
  • (chiefly, US, not comparable) Having the authority or capability to make a selection.
    • In the USA, military conscription is controlled by the Selective Service.

    Derived terms

    * selectiveness

    Related terms

    * select * selectivity

    References

    *

    Anagrams

    *

    elective

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Of, or pertaining to voting or elections
  • That involves a choice between options; optional or discretionary
    • My insurance wouldn't pay for the operation because it was elective surgery.
  • * Bancroft
    • The independent use of their elective franchise.
  • * Dryden
    • Kings of Rome were at first elective

    Related terms

    * elect * election

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • Something that is option or that may be elected, especially a course of tertiary study.