elective

[ih-lek-tiv]

elective Definition

• 1. an optional course or subject in a school or college curriculum
• 2. a surgical procedure that is scheduled in advance rather than performed as an emergency

Using elective: Examples

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

• Example

  I'm taking an elective course in psychology this semester.

• Example

  The surgery was an elective procedure, so it was scheduled for next week.

• Example

  She chose to take an elective class in art history instead of a required science course.

elective Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for elective

• optional
• voluntary
• discretionary
• non-compulsory

Antonyms for elective

• mandatory
• compulsory
• required

Phrases with elective

• elective monarchy

  a system of government where the monarch's position is not automatically passed down to their heir, but instead is chosen by a group of people or an election

  Example

  The Holy Roman Empire was an elective monarchy.

• elective dictatorship

  a situation where a government has a large majority in parliament and can pass any laws they want without opposition

  Example

  Some critics argue that the UK has become an elective dictatorship due to the ruling party's large majority.

• elective mutism

  a condition in which a person, typically a child, consistently fails to speak in certain social situations despite being able to speak in other situations

  Example

  The therapist diagnosed the child with elective mutism and recommended treatment.

Origins of elective

from Latin 'eligere', meaning 'to choose'

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Summary: elective in Brief

The term 'elective' [ih-lek-tiv] refers to optional courses or subjects in a school or college curriculum, such as 'I'm taking an elective course in psychology this semester.' It also refers to scheduled surgical procedures that are not emergencies, like 'The surgery was an elective procedure, so it was scheduled for next week.' The word extends into phrases like 'elective monarchy,' denoting a system of government where the monarch's position is not automatically passed down to their heir, and 'elective mutism,' referring to a condition in which a person fails to speak in certain social situations.