opt
verb (used without object)
to make a choice; choose (usually followed byfor ).
opt
1 American
[opt]
/ ɒpt /
verb (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.
opt.
2
American
abbreviation
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optative.
-
optical.
-
optician.
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optics.
-
optional.
opt
British
/ ɒpt /
verb
Other Word Forms
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.
Opt for one of the brand-new luxury cabins aboard the Ghan, a nearly 100-year-old rail line, and the four-day trip from Darwin to Adelaide turns downright decadent.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 20, 2025
Opt out of literally every possible thing you can.
From Slate • Jan. 1, 2025
Opt for drip irrigation and soaker hoses over hose-watering or sprinklers, which lose a lot of water through evaporation.
From Seattle Times • Feb. 16, 2024
Opt for 10 minutes, for example, she said.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 27, 2023
Some views on Pacuvius may be referred to: Cic. de Opt.
From The Student's Companion to Latin Authors by Middleton, George
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.
