Spanish Conversation · Level 193
15 words
Spanish word
selectivo
Pronunciation
IPA/selekˈtiβo/
Meaning
- adjectivepicky
Example
Mi hermano es muy selectivo con la música.
My brother is very picky about music.
More examples
En las reuniones soy selectivo con la comida.
At gatherings I'm picky about food.
Core concept
A guest list that includes only people who meet someone's personal standards.
Common phrases
selectivo con la comida
picky about food
selectivo con la ropa
picky about clothes
selectivo en las amistades
selective in friendships
Similar words
exigente: Demands high standards and specific requirements before accepting something.
quisquilloso: Focuses on tiny faults and reacts strongly to small annoyances or dislikes.
Definition in Spanish
Que elige solamente aquello que se ajusta a sus gustos o criterios personales.
Word origin
It derives from Latin select- 'choose' plus the adjective-forming suffix -ivus, which becomes Spanish -ivo to form selectivo.
Usage tips
- Calling someone selectivo in Spanish usually implies personal judgment and translates best as 'picky' rather than the neutral English 'selective'.
Other meanings
- selectiveadjective
Opposites
- indiscriminadoindiscriminateadjective
- tolerantetolerantadjective
Related words
- selectividadselectivitynoun
- selectivamenteselectivelyadverb