selectively
UK[sɪˈlɛktɪvli]US[səˈlɛktɪvli]
adv
In a way that involves choosing carefully from a number of possibilities or according to a specific principle.
adv
In a way that affects some things and not others.
Morpheme Breakdown
select
ive
ly
select
choose
ive
adjective suffix
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
The word 'selectively' is built upon the Latin verb 'seligere', meaning "to choose out" or "to pick apart," which itself is a compound of 'se-' (apart) and 'legere' (to gather, choose). The root 'legere' has a rich history, tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root leǵ- meaning "to collect, gather." The addition of the adjective-forming suffix '-ive' transforms the action of choosing into the quality of being 'selective,' or characterized by careful choice. Finally, the Old English adverbial suffix '-ly' is appended, converting the adjective into an adverb that describes the manner of an action—performed with discrimination, affecting only chosen parts, or not applied universally. Thus, the modern term encapsulates a process of discernment, evolving from the literal act of gathering things apart to the abstract concept of applying a principle of choice.
Analysis
Structure: select (choose) + ive (adjective suffix) + ly (adverb suffix)
- select: From Latin 'selectus', past participle of 'seligere' (to choose out, pick out). The root 'se-' (apart) + 'legere' (to gather, choose). Functions as the core verb/root.
- ive: A suffix of Latin origin ('-ivus') used to form adjectives meaning "of the nature of" or "tending to."
- ly: A suffix of Old English origin ('-lice') used to form adverbs from adjectives, meaning "in a specified manner."
Examples
The herbicide was applied selectively to target the weeds without harming the crops.
She reads very selectively, focusing only on authors from the 19th century.
The memory system selectively retains information that is emotionally significant.