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.
You know, we’re going to opt out on intelligence.’”
From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026
Until then, it’s easier for some to just opt out entirely.
From Slate • Apr. 9, 2026
Some planned cables opt for a more geopolitically secure route.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 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
And we cannot opt simply to ignore the distinction between good and bad science, because if we do we will miss one of science’s peculiar characteristics, that it makes progress.
From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton
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.
