non-selective
|non-se-lec-tive|
🇺🇸
/ˌnɑn.səˈlɛk.tɪv/
🇬🇧
/ˌnɒn.səˈlɛk.tɪv/
not choosing
Etymology
'non-selective' originates from the English prefix 'non-' (from Latin 'non', meaning 'not') combined with 'selective', ultimately from Latin 'selectus', the past participle of 'seligere' (se- 'apart' + legere 'to choose'), where 'selectus' meant 'chosen'.
'select' came from Latin 'seligere' via Old French (e.g., 'selecter') into Middle English as 'select'; 'selective' was formed in English from 'select' with the adjectival suffix '-ive'; 'non-' was added in Modern English to form 'non-selective'.
Originally related to 'choosing apart' (to pick out), 'selective' meant 'choosing or particular'; over time 'non-selective' developed to mean 'not choosing' and in technical fields gained the narrower sense 'acting on multiple or non-specific targets'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the quality or state of being non-selective; lack of selectivity.
The non-selectivity of the pesticide led to the loss of beneficial insects as well as pests.
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Adjective 1
not selective; not showing preference or discrimination — applying equally or indiscriminately rather than choosing specific options.
The scholarship is non-selective, so any student who meets the basic requirements can apply.
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Adjective 2
in specialized or technical contexts (medicine, chemistry, ecology), acting on or affecting multiple targets rather than a specific one (i.e., non-specific).
A non-selective beta blocker affects both β1 and β2 receptors.
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Adverb 1
in a non-selective manner; without choosing or discriminating.
The rule was applied non-selectively, which caused complaints from qualified candidates.
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Last updated: 2025/11/25 13:34