Spanish Conversation · Level 28
89 words
Spanish word
selecto
Pronunciation
IPA/seˈlekto/
Meaning
- adjectivespecially selected
Example
Compré aceite selecto para la ensalada.
I bought specially selected oil for the salad.
More examples
En la fiesta había solo un invitado selecto.
There was only one handpicked guest at the party.
Core concept
A small curated box of premium goods.
Common phrases
invitado selecto
handpicked guest
cliente selecto
handpicked customer
Similar words
elegido: Food chosen by deliberate decision for inclusion or sale.
fino: Food prized for delicate, refined qualities and an elegant, subtle flavor or texture.
seleccionado: Food selected from a larger batch during a selection or quality-check process.
Definition in Spanish
Que destaca por su calidad o por haber sido seleccionado con cuidado entre otros, implicando cierta exclusividad.
Word origin
Comes from Latin selectus, the past participle of seligere (from legere 'to choose'), and originally means 'chosen', which explains its sense of being carefully picked and somewhat exclusive.
Usage tips
- Common in product and food descriptions to signal superior quality, and describing a person as selecto often sounds elitist rather than complimentary.