opt

¹

[opt]

verb (used without object)

1. to make a choice; choose (usually followed byfor ).

   Synonyms: elect, pick, select

verb phrase

1. opt in,  to decide to make use of or take part in something.

   To receive automatic updates, opt in under the email notification section.

2. 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

abbreviation

1. optative.

2. optical.

3. optician.

4. optics.

5. optional.

opt

/ ɒpt /

verb

1. to show preference (for) or choose (to do something) See also opt in See also opt out

Other Word Forms

• unopted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of opt¹

First recorded in 1875–80; from French opter “to choose, divide,” from Latin optāre “to wish for, desire, pray for, choose, select”

Word History and Origins

Origin of opt¹

C19: from French opter, from Latin optāre to choose

Example Sentences

But as some of the biggest and fastest-growing U.S. companies remain private for longer—if they opt to ever go public at all—smaller investors want in on the action.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The company’s legacy TV networks business remains a worry, with more customers opting to cut the cord.

Read more on Barron's

He said his staffers failed to opt out of using the AI music tool.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The founders may have opted for more permissive language because they were relying on norms and a jealous legislative branch to constrain presidential adventurism.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Price-sensitive consumers cut back on dining out, opting instead to save money by cooking more meals at home.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• decide 
• elect 
• go for 
• prefer