'selective' originates from the Latin word 'selectivus', which is derived from 'selectus', the past participle of 'seligere', meaning 'to choose'.

'selectivus' transformed into the French word 'sélectif', and eventually became the modern English word 'selective'.

Initially, it meant 'to choose or pick out', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'characterized by careful choice'.