opt
1 Americanverb (used without object)
verb phrase
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opt in to decide to make use of or take part in something.
To receive automatic updates, opt in under the email notification section.
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opt out to decide to withdraw from or not take part in something.
You can opt out of the pension plan, but you lose the employer and government contribution.
abbreviation
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optative.
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optical.
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optician.
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optics.
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optional.
verb
Other Word Forms
- unopted adjective
Etymology
Origin of opt
First recorded in 1875–80; from French opter “to choose, divide,” from Latin optāre “to wish for, desire, pray for, choose, select”
Explanation
To opt is to choose. Given the alternative, most kids will opt for a cupcake over a ham sandwich. When you're signing up for next semester's classes, you might opt for another history class, or instead opt for advanced biology. Whenever you have more than one alternative, you have the chance to opt for something. You can also opt out of something, or choose not to do it at all. Opt comes from the French verb opter, "to choose," from the Latin root optare, "desire," and it's related to option.
Vocabulary lists containing opt
Persepolis
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This Week In Words: Current Events Vocab for October 24–30, 2020
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Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It had previously been set to make this an "opt out" decision for creators - something that would have made it easier for AI firms to use copyrighted works to develop their systems.
From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026
Until then, it’s easier for some to just opt out entirely.
From Slate • Apr. 9, 2026
The pandemic prompted many in this demographic to leave the workforce before 65, and the trend has continued as some opt to sit out the tumult of artificial intelligence.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026
Still, if you opt for a bunch of low-cost or practical things to fill out an Easter basket, it doesn’t hurt to throw in a splurge item or two.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026
What this means is that the students—and parents—who choose to opt out tend to be smarter and more academically motivated to begin with.
From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
