elective

American  

[ih-lek-tiv] / ɪˈlɛk tɪv /

adjective

1. pertaining to the principle of electing to an office, position, etc.

2. chosen by election, as an official.

3. bestowed by or derived from election, as an office.

4. having the power or right of electing to office, as a body of persons.

5. open to choice; optional; not required.

   an elective subject in college; elective surgery.

   Synonyms:

   discretionary, voluntary

   Antonyms:

   necessary, obligatory

6. Chemistry. selecting for combination or action; tending to combine with certain substances in preference to others.

   elective attraction.

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noun

• electives
  plural

1. an optional study; a course that a student may select from among alternatives.

elective British  

/ ɪˈlɛktɪv /

adjective

1. of or based on selection by vote

   elective procedure

2. selected by vote

   an elective official

3. having the power to elect

4. open to choice; optional

   an elective course of study

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noun

1. an optional course or hospital placement undertaken by a medical student

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• electiveness
  noun
• electivity
  noun
• nonelectiveness
  noun
• nonelective
  adjective
• preelective
  adjective
• unelective
  adjective
• electively
  adverb
• nonelectively
  adverb

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• electives
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of elective

1520–30; < Medieval Latin ēlēctīvus, equivalent to Latin ēlēct ( us ) ( see elect) + -īvus -ive

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Explanation

Something that's elective is optional — you can choose to do it, or not. An elective course in school is one you take because you want to rather than to fill a particular requirement, although you still get credit for it. You can take elective classes in high school or college. In fact, the word elective is sometimes used as a noun, to mean "optional class." Also, if someone has elective surgery, that means he’s getting an optional operation, like a nose job or a face-lift. In either case, nothing is required or compulsory — it's a free choice. The word comes from the Latin electivus, by way of eligere, "pick out or select," which is also the root of election.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

elective electives

This means fewer women have been considered suitable for elective Caesarean sections at Daisy Hill, which has had a subsequent decline in overall birth numbers over the past two years.

From BBC ● Oct. 27, 2026

It’s the latest elective, cash-pay scan for asymptomatic people that raises either hopes or eyebrows, depending on how you view our healthcare system.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 5, 2026

The fact that it outlived “The Swan” by several years only enhanced its role in mainstreaming elective cosmetic surgery.

From Salon ● Oct. 1, 2026

But there is a wide berth of procedures between emergency and truly elective, leaving people in need of things like ACL tear repairs or minimally invasive heart procedures, where delaying could pose health risks.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 6, 2026

The ninth resolution read: “Resolved, that it is the duty of the women of this country to secure to themselves their sacred right to the elective franchise.”

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

Universities should streamline general-education requirements, trim unnecessary electives and make students declare their majors by the end of freshman year.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 16, 2026

Enriching curriculum, for example with more electives and career pathways.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 1, 2024

Among the cuts are one-third of education department faculty and the entire world language department, although seven language teaching positions are being retained and students are being allowed to take some language courses as electives.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 15, 2023

While some language courses will still be available for students as electives, the university made it clear the programs were on the chopping block.

From Washington Times ● Aug. 30, 2023

“I switched electives when I came back from winter break. I’m in band now.”

From "Auggie & Me" by R. J. Palacio

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