'selectivity' originates from the Latin word 'selectus,' where 'se-' meant 'apart' and 'legere' meant 'to choose.'

'selectus' transformed into the French word 'sélectif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'selectivity' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'the act of choosing,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the quality of being selective.'