optional
/'ɔpʃənl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective 1. Possible but not necessary; left to personal choice: Something that is "optional" is available as a choice but is not required. You can decide whether to include it, do it, or have it.
Usage
The word "optional" describes something that is not compulsory or mandatory. It is used to indicate that a person has the freedom to choose whether or not to participate in an activity, include a feature, or follow a suggestion.
Examples
- The company offers optional health insurance to its part-time employees.
- Attendance at the weekend workshop is completely optional.
- This car model comes with several optional extras, like a sunroof and leather seats.
- For this assignment, the bibliography is optional.
Advanced Usage
- To be optional: The standard phrasing to state that something is not required.
- Submitting a draft paper is optional, but it is highly recommended.
- To make something optional: To change a rule or requirement so that something becomes a choice.
- The university decided to make the foreign language requirement optional for science majors.
Variants and Related Words
- Option (noun): The thing that is or may be chosen; a choice.
- Students have the option to write a final exam or submit a research paper.
- Optionally (adverb): In a way that is not compulsory.
- You can optionally include a cover letter with your application.
Synonyms
- Voluntary: Done, given, or acting of one's own free will.
- Discretionary: Available for use at the discretion of the user; not fixed.
- Elective: Chosen by election; (in education) a course that is not required.
Antonyms
- Compulsory: Required by law or a rule; obligatory.
- Mandatory: Required by law or mandate; compulsory.
- Obligatory: Required by a legal, moral, or other rule.
Related Phrases
- Optional extra: An additional feature or service that can be chosen for an extra cost.
- The navigation system is an optional extra on the base model.
Adjective
- possible but not necessary; left to personal choice