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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.

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