optional

[ˈɒpʃənl]

optional Definition

• 1. left to one's own choice; not required or mandatory
• 2. available to be chosen but not obligatory

Using optional: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "optional" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The essay is optional, but it can help your application.

• Example

  The dress code is optional for this event.

• Example

  The extra credit assignment is completely optional.

• Example

  The company offers optional health insurance for its employees.

optional Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for optional

• voluntary
• elective
• discretionary
• noncompulsory
• permissive

Antonyms for optional

• mandatory
• compulsory
• obligatory

Phrases with optional

• optional extras

  additional features or services that are available but not included in the basic package

  Example

  The car comes with a variety of optional extras, such as a sunroof and heated seats.

• take the optional route

  choose a different path or method than the usual or expected one

  Example

  If you want to avoid traffic, you can take the optional route through the back roads.

• optional subject

  a course or subject that is not required but can be chosen by a student

  Example

  In high school, I took Spanish as an optional subject.

Origins of optional

from Latin 'optare', meaning 'to choose'

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Summary: optional in Brief

The term 'optional' [ˈɒpʃənl] refers to something that is not required or mandatory, but rather left to one's own choice. It can describe anything from a dress code to a course subject, as in 'The dress code is optional for this event.' 'Optional' also extends to phrases like 'optional extras,' which are additional features that are available but not included in the basic package.