different between exhaustive vs selective

English

Etymology

From exhaust +? -ive.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /???z??.st?v/
• (US) IPA^(key): /???z?.st?v/

Adjective

exhaustive (comparative more exhaustive, superlative most exhaustive)

1. Including every possible element

   Synonyms: all-encompassing, thorough

2. Fully comprehensive
3. (now rare) Causing exhaustion; very tiring
   • 1878, John Henry Blunt, The Reformation of the Church of England: A. D. 1514-1547 (page 98)

     Wolsey saw in what imminent peril the revenues of the Church were from the exhaustive squandering and grasping covetousness of the Court.

   Synonyms: tiring, weariful

Synonyms

• (including every possible element): see also Thesaurus:comprehensive
• (causing exhaustion): see also Thesaurus:fatiguing

Derived terms

Translations

French

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /??.zos.tiv/
• Homophone: exhaustives

Adjective

exhaustive

1. feminine singular of exhaustif

English

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /s??l?kt?v/
• Rhymes: -?kt?v

Adjective

selective (comparative more selective, superlative most selective)

1. Of or relating to the process of selection. (Can we add an example for this sense?)
2. (biology) Of or relating to natural selection.

   selective pressure

3. (of a person) choosy, fussy or discriminating when selecting.

   He's very selective and spent hours in the store choosing a new shirt.

4. (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

• selectively
• selectiveness

Related terms

• select
• selectivity

Translations

References

• “selective” in Dictionary.com Unabridged, Dictionary.com, LLC, 1995–present.

Anagrams

• cleveites, electives