different between selective vs elect

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

English

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin ?l?ctus, past participle of ?lig? (“to pick out, choose, elect”), from ?- (“out”) + leg? (“to pick out, pick, gather, collect, etc.”); see legend.

Cognate to eclectic, which is via Ancient Greek rather than Latin, hence prefix ?? (ek), rather than e- (from ex).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /??l?kt/, /i??l?kt/
• Hyphenation: elect
• Rhymes: -?kt

Noun

elect (plural elects or elect)

1. One chosen or set apart.
2. (theology) In Calvinist theology, one foreordained to Heaven. In other Christian theologies, someone chosen by God for salvation.

   • Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth.

   • Shall not God avenge his won elect?

Antonyms

• reprobate

Derived terms

• president-elect

Translations

Verb

elect (third-person singular simple present elects, present participle electing, simple past and past participle elected)

1. (transitive) To choose or make a decision (to do something)
2. (transitive) To choose (a candidate) in an election

Related terms

Translations

Adjective

elect (not comparable)

1. (postpositive) Who has been elected in a specified post, but has not yet entered office.

   He is the President elect.
2. Chosen; taken by preference from among two or more.
   • the elect angels

Translations

Further reading

• elect in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• elect in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.