The Opposite(Antonym) of “compulsory”
The antonym of compulsory is optional, voluntary, and elective. The antonyms optional, voluntary, and elective convey a sense of freedom or choice. It implies that something is not required or mandatory.
Definitions and Examples of optional, voluntary, elective
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Available to be chosen but not obligatory.
Example
The final project is optional, but it can help you earn extra credit.
Done, given, or acting of one's own free will.
Example
She decided to join the charity event as a voluntary worker.
Optional course or subject that students can choose to study.
Example
In college, students can choose their elective courses based on their interests.
Key Differences: optional vs voluntary vs elective
- 1Optional implies that something is available to be chosen but not required.
- 2Voluntary implies that something is done willingly or by choice.
- 3Elective refers to a course or subject that is optional and can be chosen based on personal preference.
Effective Usage of optional, voluntary, elective
- 1Education: Use optional and elective to describe courses or subjects that are not mandatory.
- 2Workplace: Use voluntary to describe actions or tasks that are done willingly or by choice.
- 3Legal: Use optional and voluntary to describe agreements or contracts that are not mandatory.
Remember this!
The antonyms have distinct nuances: Optional implies availability but not requirement, voluntary implies willingness or choice, and elective refers to optional courses or subjects. Use these words in education, workplace, and legal contexts to describe non-mandatory actions, tasks, or agreements.
