optional

[ op-shuh-nl ]

adjective

1. left to one's choice; not required or mandatory:

   Formal dress is optional.

   Synonyms: voluntary, elective, discretional

2. leaving something to choice.

optional

/ ˈɒpʃənəl /

adjective

1. possible but not compulsory; left to personal choice

Derived Forms

• ˈoptionally, adverb

Other Words From

• option·ali·ty noun
• option·al·ly adverb
• non·option·al adjective
• non·option·al·ly adverb
• un·option·al adjective
• un·option·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of optional¹

First recorded in 1755–65; option + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Sure, taking sexy pictures—like having sex itself—is, technically speaking, optional.

From The Daily Beast

Van Zant was echoing a growing sentiment of paranoia and fear sparked by the optional public education standards program.

From The Daily Beast

When I ask why she wears a veil in a society where it's optional, Sakdiyah explains how it frees her.

From The Daily Beast

Preparing for retirement is “the why of politics, not merely optional dirty work.”

From The Daily Beast

Then you may be delighted to learn that the essay portion of the SAT is now optional.

From The Daily Beast

On nearly all railways retirement is optional at sixty and compulsory at sixty-five.

From Project Gutenberg

Local school and capitation taxes were optional with each county and public school district.

From Project Gutenberg

After they have a school certificate, entrance to the works is optional.

From Project Gutenberg

It is entirely optional; you have only to take it quietly or go to jail.

From Project Gutenberg

Civil engineering and political economy are the only optional studies with the women.

From Project Gutenberg