Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

optional

[op-shuh-nl]
See more synonyms for optional on Thesaurus.com
adjective
  1. left to one's choice; not required or mandatory: Formal dress is optional.
  2. leaving something to choice.
Show More

Origin of optional

First recorded in 1755–65; option + -al1
Related formsop·tion·al·i·ty, nounop·tion·al·ly, adverbnon·op·tion·al, adjectivenon·op·tion·al·ly, adverbun·op·tion·al, adjectiveun·op·tion·al·ly, adverb

Synonyms

See more synonyms for optional on Thesaurus.com
1. discretional, elective, voluntary.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for optionality

Contemporary Examples

British Dictionary definitions for optionality

optional

adjective
  1. possible but not compulsory; left to personal choice
Show More
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).

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper