selettivo
selective
adjective seh-let-TEE-voh Rare
Origin: From Latin selectivus, from seligere (to select).
Usage Note
Selettivo describes a process, person, or criterion that applies careful discrimination — raccolta selettiva (selective waste collection, i.e. recycling) is a ubiquitous phrase in Italian civic life. Essere selettivo in choosing friends carries a social connotation of being choosy. The noun is selettività. Agreement: selettiva (f), selettivi (m pl).
Examples
"La raccolta selettiva dei rifiuti è obbligatoria in città."
Natural Translation
Selective waste collection is mandatory in the city.
Related Words
Explore Italian by topic