What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
facultative
Example
The facultative meeting is optional, but attendance is encouraged. [facultative: adjective]
Example
Some bacteria are facultative anaerobes, meaning they can survive with or without oxygen. [facultative: adjective]
Example
I decided to take a facultative course in art history to fulfill my elective credits. [facultative: adjective]
optional
Example
The dessert is optional, so you can choose to have it or not. [optional: adjective]
Example
The car comes with optional leather seats for an additional cost. [optional: adjective]
Example
The company picnic is optional, but it's a great opportunity to socialize with coworkers. [optional: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Optional is more commonly used than facultative in everyday language.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between facultative and optional?
Facultative is more formal than optional, which is more commonly used in everyday language and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
