What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pickier
Example
My sister is pickier than I am when it comes to food. [pickier: comparative adjective]
Example
He's so picky about his clothes that he spends hours trying on different outfits. [picky: adjective]
selective
Example
She's very selective about the books she reads. [selective: adjective]
Example
The company is very selective in its hiring process, only choosing the best candidates. [selective: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Selective is more commonly used than pickier in everyday language. Selective is a more neutral term that can be used in various contexts, while pickier is more colloquial and may have a negative connotation.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between pickier and selective?
Selective is a more formal term than pickier. It is often used in professional or academic contexts, such as hiring or research, while pickier is more commonly used in casual conversations or personal contexts.