Optional

/ˈɒpʃənl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Available to be chosen but not obligatory.

The attendance at the meeting is optional for employees.

Empowered to be selected or not chosen.

You can take the optional course if you have the time.

Not required; not mandatory.

Many features of the software are optional and can be added later.

Subject to choice; left to one’s discretion.

Participation in the survey is optional and anonymous.

From Latin 'optio', meaning 'choice, selection'.

optional extras

Additional features or services that are not included as standard.

optional course

A course that students can choose to take, as opposed to a required course.

if you choose to

Indicating that something is not compulsory but is left to the individual's choice.

choice

The act of selecting among options.

elective

A course or subject that is chosen by the student rather than required.

voluntary

Done, given, or acting of one's own free will.

An easy decision or choice.

Choosing not to go to that meeting was totally optional.

Something that you can skip if you want.

The party was optional; I stayed home instead.