What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
discriminative
Example
The discriminative power of the microscope allowed us to see the smallest details. [discriminative: adjective]
Example
The teacher's discriminative feedback helped the student improve their writing skills. [discriminative: adjective]
selective
Example
The university has a selective admissions process, only accepting the most qualified applicants. [selective: adjective]
Example
She is very selective about the books she reads, only choosing those with high ratings. [selective: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Selective is more commonly used than discriminative in everyday language. Selective is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while discriminative is less common and typically used in technical or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between discriminative and selective?
Both discriminative and selective can be used in formal or informal contexts, but discriminative is more commonly used in technical or academic contexts, which may give it a more formal tone.
