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definitions

optional

[ op-shuh-nl ]
/ ˈɒp ʃə nl /
||

adjective

left to one's choice; not required or mandatory: Formal dress is optional.
leaving something to choice.

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Nearby words

  1. optimum,
  2. optimum dose,
  3. optimum population,
  4. option,
  5. option money,
  6. optionally,
  7. optionee,
  8. opto-,
  9. optoelectronics,
  10. optokinetic

Origin of optional

First recorded in 1755–65; option + -al1
SYNONYMS FOR optional
1. discretional, elective, voluntary.
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for optionality

British Dictionary definitions for optionality

optional

/ (ˈɒpʃənəl) /

adjective

possible but not compulsory; left to personal choice
Derived Formsoptionally, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for optionality

optional

adj.

1765, from option + -al (1).

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper